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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


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2.2 


2.0 


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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


^v- 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


D 
D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagee 


□    Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaur^e  et/ou  pellicui6e 


D 
D 
D 

n 


n 


Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  g§ographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relie  rjec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  reiiure  serree  peut  causer  de  i'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  int^rieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoutdes 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  film^es. 


L'Instltut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6t6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m6thode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqu^s  ci-dessous. 

□    Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

0   Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

□    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaur§es  et/ou  pelliculdes 


^ 


Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  d6color6es,  tachetdes  ou  piqu^es 


□    Pages  detached/ 
Pages  ddtachdes 

I    TxShowthrough/ 
L±j    Transparence 

I      I    Quality  ^f  print  varies/ 


D 


Quality  in^gali  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  matdriei  supplementaire 


Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t6  film^es  d  nouveau  de  facon  A 
obteinir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


n 


Additional  comments;/ 
Commentaires  suppl6mentaires; 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  rdd»iCtion  indiqu6  ci-dessous 

10X                             14X                              18X                             22X 

26X 

SOX 

/ 
V 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

National  Library  of  Canada 


L'exemplpire  filrn^  fut  reprcduit  grSce  d  la 
g^ndrositd  de: 

Bibliothdque  nationale  du  Canada 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  origin««l  copies  are  fiin.ad  beginning  on  the 
first  page    '       a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ei.u   ig  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  images  suivantes  ont  dt6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettetd  de  I'exemplaire  film6,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprim^e  sont  filmds  en  commengant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autros  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmds  en  commenpant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shrll  contain  the  symbol  --^-  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  de?  symboies  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  chaque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  -^  signifie  "A  SUiVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  inclu^led  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
bpyinning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  oeuvent  §tre 
filmSs  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clichd,  il  est  filmd  d  partir 
de  Tangle  supdrieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivantb 
lllustrent  la  mdthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

PLATE 


I.,  loltnson .  Del. 


PODOPHYLLUM    PELTATUM. 


H.  HKKf'Kr- 


Plate  I — {Front'/iipwrf.)      Podophyllum  peltatum. 

Fig.  1.— Flowering  stem  and  rhizomt',  natural  size. 
Fig.  2. — Pistil  and  stamen,  natural  size. 
Fio.  3.  — Fruit,  half  grown. 


\ 


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V     <, 


■*•• 


Decembkk 


MANUAL 


OF    THE 


MEDICAL  P)OTx\NY  OF  ^■ORTH  AMERICA 


BT 

LAURENCE    JOHNSON,    A.M.,    M.I)., 

LECTtrnER  ON    MEDICAL  nOTANY.    MEDICAL  DKI'aRTMENT  OF  THE.  rNIVEIlSITY   OP  THE   CirY   OF   NEW 

tohk:  fellow  op  the  new  york  academy  of  medicine,  and  of  the  new  youk  acad- 
emy OF   sciences  ;    member   of  the   committee   of   revision   of  the   PHARMACOI'CLIA 
OF  THE    UNITED  STATES,    MEMBER   OF  THE  TORItEY   BOT..  MICL  CLUB,    ETC. 


NEW  YORK 
WILLIAM    WOOD    S:    COMPANY 

56  &  58  Lafayette  Place 
18S4 


COPTRIOHT,   1884, 
By  WILLIAM    .,00D  &  COMPANy 


TBOWQ 

PnrNTINQ  AND  BOOKBINOINC  COMPMn, 

NE*  VOBK. 


PBEFACE. 


Fob  many  years  medical  botany  lias  had  no  place  in  most  Ameri- 
can medical  schools;  and  no  text-book  on  the  subject  has  issued  from 
the  American  press  during  a  generation. 

As  a  result  of  this  neglect,  I  believe  that  vegetable  materia  mediea 
is  taught  at  a  great  disadvantage,  and  often  imperfectly.  Plants  bear 
lelations  to  each  other  no  less  definite  than  those  of  the  chemical  com- 
pounds of  inorganic  substances  ;  and  a  knowledge  of  these  relations 
should,  in  my  opinion,  precede  all  attempts  at  classilication  of  plants 
as  therapeutic  agents. 

furthermore,  much  of  the  credulity  evinced  regarding  so-called 
new  reined ies  of  vegetable  origin  is  directly  traceable  to  ignoi-ance  of 
plantb  in  general,  and  of  their  relations  to  each  otlicr.  Let  the  most 
extravagant  assertions  be  made  concerning  the  therapeutic  activity  of 
any  hitherto  unused  ])lant — or  of  one  used  and  long- forgotten — and  ex- 
perimenters immediately  busy  themselves  Avith  it,  no  matter  if  other 
closely  allied  species  arc  known  to  be  inert.  And  yet,  the  different 
species  of  a  genua  are  so  closely  related  that  when  one  is  demonstrably 
useless,  as  a  rule,  wc  need  not  expect  much  from  the  others. 

As  a  teacher  of  medical  botany  I  have  been  much  embarrassed  by 
the  want  of  a  text-book  suited  to  the  needs  of  American  students — one 
combining  a  brief  sketch  of  general  botany  Mith  descriptions  of  medi- 
cinal plants — and,  in  this  volume,  have  endeavored  to  supply  that  want. 

In  the  first  part,  or  Elements  of  Botany,  I  have  sketched  the  life- 
history  of  plants  from  germination  to  reproduction,  explaining  the 
technical  terms  commonly  employed  in  botanical  descriptions  and  the 
plan  of  classification  in  general  use  at  the  present  day. 


IV  PREFACE. 

In  tlie  800011(1  part,  or  ^fodicinal  Plants  of  North  Amorioa.  I  have 
presented  a  sjHtoinatic  arranf^eniont  and  description  of  most  of  the 
medicinal  sjieoies,  hoth  indigenous  and  n;  'iii'alizod,  whicii  grow  upon 
this  continent.  1  liave  not,  however,  endeavored  to  make  the  list 
complete,  hut  ratlior  to  exercise  a  judicious  discrimination  in  selecting 
the  most  important.  Very  nmny  species  have  heen  noticed  merolj  to 
condeirni  them  ;  still  these  often  serve  a  useful  ptn-pose  as  examples  of 
orders  or  genera. 

I'lider  the  title,  CharcwUr  of  the  Oi'<lct\  ai'o  given  the  prominent 
and  characteiistic  features  of  the  order  as  a  whole;  and  under  the 
title,  Character  of  the  Genus,  the  distinguishing  characteristics  of  the 
gemis.  In  case  only  a  single  species  of  a  ;.'cnns  is  descrihed,  the  chai'- 
acter  of  the  latter  is  omitted. 

Following  the  Deserijition  of  a  species  are  its  llahitat,  or  place  of 
growth,  the  Part  used  medicinally.  Constituents,  Prejxirations,  and 
a  brief  account  of  its  Medical  Projpertles  and  Uses. 

The  M'ords,  United  States  Phar'mac,o])a'ia,  following  the  names  of 
parts  used,  or  of  preparations,  signify  that  such  parts  or  prcjtarations 
are  oflRcial ;  and  official,  throughout  the  work,  signifies  directed  by  the 
Pharmacopcein,,  the  only  recognized  authority. 

Everywhere  brevity  and  conciseness  have  been  aimed  at,  but  no- 
where more  than  in  the  notes  upon  the  medical  properties  and  uses. 
Here  I  have  paid  little  attention  to  traditiojis,  except  when  I  could 
trace  them  to  a  substantial  foundation,  believing  that,  in  such  matters, 
a  judicious  scepticism  is  wiser  than  blind  credulity.  In  general,  I  have 
summarized  the  opinions  of  authors  whom  I  consider  most  reliabloj 
and  have  also  drawn  freely  from  the  records  of  my  own  experience 
and  observation. 

In  the  botanical  part  of  the  volume,  I  have  followed  no  author  ex- 
clusively. Among  those  whoso  works  I  have  most  frequently  con- 
sulted are  Baillon,  Barton,  Bentham,  Bontley  and  Ti-imen,  Bigelow, 
Chapman,  Figuior,  Gray,  Griffith,  Lindley,  Michaux,  Porcher,  Pursh, 
Ilafinesque,  Torrey  and  Gray,  and  Woodville.  I  scarcely  i. ?ed  add 
that  I  have  had  constant  access  to  specimens,  both  recent  and  dried  ;  the 
latter  either  in  my  own  herbarium  or  in  that  of  Columbia  College. 

The  colored  plates  and  a  fe.w  of  the  illustrations  on  wood  are  from 


PREFACE. 


my  own  draM-ings  and  pliotograplis ;  but  for  most  of  the  wood-cuts  I 
am  indebted  to  Baillon  [I[idol,'e  des  Plantcs),  Figiiier  {HlHtoire  (/cm 
P/anfes),  and  Woodvillo  {ILdical Bofan>/\  Those  of  (Jleinat'iH  Yli- 
ijiniana  and  Anemone  2^(itcns,  var.  AnttalUana,  were  kindly  plaeed 
at  my  disposal  by  Professor  J.  U.  and  JMr.  C.  (1.  J.loyd  {Drugs  an  J 
Medicines  of  North  Anterica,  now  in  course  of  publication). 

To  my  friend  Dr.  N.  L.  liritton,  of  Columbia  College,  T  am  mucli 
indebted  for  valuable  suggesticms,  and  for  affording  me  every  assist- 
ance r/3quired  in  consulting  the  extensive  herbarimn  of  that  institution  : 
and  to  my  friends  Dr.  Thomas  F.  AVood,  Wilmington,  X.  C,  and  Dr. 
II.  II.  Ilu.sby,  Detroit,  Mich.,  I  extend  my  thanks  for  recent  specimens 
recpiired  to  illustrate  the  Mork. 

L.  J. 
333  West  27Tir  St.,  Xew  Yokk. 

December,  1884. 


CONTENTS. 


Intkoduction \^     '  ''*°f 

General  Privciples  of  Veoktarle  Guowth  and  RKi-RontirTioN 2 

The  Roo*,  4  ;  Functions  of  Roots,  8  ;  The  Stem  mid  branches,  !) ;  Functions 
of  the  Stem  iiii.l  Branches,  l(i :  Bu.ls  and  Leaves,  17  ;  Functions  of  the 
Leaves,  24 ;  TJio  Flower,  25  ;  Funptions  of  tlie  Flower,  ;J8  ;  The  Fruit, 
40  ;  Tlie  Seed,  44  ;  Classification  of  Plants,  40. 

Glossary  or  Dictionary  of  Botanical  Terms 49 


MEDICINAL    PLANTS    OF    NORTH    AMERICA. 
PIL-ENOGAMOrs   OR  FLOWERIKG    PLAKTS. 

CLASS  L —DICOTYLEDONOUS  OR  EXOGENOUS  PLANTS. 
Division  I— Polypetalous  Exogenous  Plants. 

RANUNCULACEilS ^^ 

Clematis-Virgin's-Bower.  58  ;  Anemone -VVind-Flower,  59  ;  Hepatica-Liv- 
envort,  «1  ;  Ranunculus-Crowfoot,  Buttercup,  (il  ;  Coptis,  64  ;  Hydras- 
tis, 64  ;  Xanthorhiza,  66  ;  Act;ea— Baneberry,  09. 

Maonoliace/e 

71 

Magnolia,  71  ;  Liriodendl-on,  73. 
MENIKPERMACE/E 

Menispermum— Moonseed,  75. 

Berreridace.i? 

Berberis -Barberry,  76  ;  Caulophyllum-Blue  Cohosl.',  78  ;"  'jeffersonia'-Twin- 
Leaf,  79  ;  Podophyllum— May-Apple,  80. 

NYMPn^ACK^E „j, 

NymphnBa— Water-Lily,  83. 

Sarraceniaoe/E 

„  .      X,.    ,       ' 84 

Sarracenia— Pitcher-Plant,  84. 

Papaverace.i;: ^a 

Sanguuiana-Bloodroot,  86;  Chelidonium  -Celandine,  88. 


Vlll  CONTENTS. 

I'AdK 
FUMAHlAf'R.T.; ; 8S) 

DictMitra,  8!)  ;  Funiuiiii--Fumitory,  'JO. 

CitucTPEK/i'; 93 

Nasturtium,  IW  ;  Brassica — Hinapis,  !)■") ;  Capsella,  itii. 

Vroi.ACE.K !)7 

Viola— Violet,  08. 

ClSTACK.K !)!) 

Ileliantliemum — Ilock  Rose,  100. 

DUOSEHACnC/K 1 loi 

Drosera— Simdow,  101. 

IlYPEniCAC'E.K 10'^ 

Ilyporiciun — St.  John's  Wort,  103. 

Cauyoimiyi.lace.k 10!J 

Saponaria— Soapwort,  103  ;  Sileuo—  Catch  Fly,  104. 
Mat-vacE/K 104 

Althpea— Marsh-Mallow,  105;  Miilva— Mallow,  100  ;  Gossypium— Cotton,  107. 

LiNACE/K 108 

Linnm — Flax,  109. 

GeraniacE/K 110 

Goraniuni,  110;  Oxalis— Wood-Sorrel,  114. 

RUTACE/K IIT) 

Xanthoxyhun -Prickly  Ash,  115;  Ptolea -Shrubby  Trefoil,  IIG. 

Anacaudiace/e 117 

Rhus— Sumao,  117. 

RlIAMNACE/E 123 

Rhaiunus— Biu'kthorn,  133;  Ceanothus — Now  Jersey  Tea,  12:5. 
Cei,astu.\ce.« 134 

Celastrus — Staff  Tree,  124  ;  Euonymus— Spindle  Tree,  125. 
SapintiacE/K 120 

.flisculus — Horse-Chestnut,  Buckeye,  120. 
POLYCALACEyE 128 

Polygala— Milkwort,  128. 

Leguminos.e 130 

Papilioiiacea?,  180;  Melilotus— Melilot,  130;  Psoraleii,  131  ;  Robini it  — Locust 
Tree,  133  ;  Teplirosia — Hoary  Pea,  133  ;  Baptisia — False  ludigo,  133  ; 
Cassia-rSenna,  i34. 

ROSAOE/K 135 

Amygdalra),  135;  Prunus— Plum  and  Clierry,  135;  Rosacere,  137;  Spirnea — 
Meadow-Sweet,  137;  Gillenia— Indian  Physic,  138;  Agrimonia— Agri- 
mony, 13fl  ;  Genr.i — Avens,  140;  Potentilla — Cinque-Foil,  140  ;  Rubus  — 
Bramble,  141. 

S-VXlFRAOACEvE 143 

IlydrangetB,  143  ;  Hydrangea,  143 ;  Saxifragea>,  144  ;  Heuchera — Alum-Root, 
144. 

Hama^iei.ac  E.E  144 

Hamamelis— Witch-Hazel,  145;  Lquidambar  -Sweet  Gum  Tree,  140. 


CONTENTS.  IX 

PAOK 
0XAORArK.T5 148 

Epilobium— Willow  Herb,  148  ;  Oiinothfra— Evening  Primrose,  148. 

Umbkllifeu^ 14!) 

Sanicula— Sanicle.  150;  Eryngium— Eryngo,  loO  ;  Dauciis— Carrot,  ITil  ;  Ile- 
racleiun— Cow-Parsnip,  152  ;  Arcliangeliea,  153;  Cicuta — Wator-IIuiulock, 
513  ;  Coniiim— Poison  Hemlock,  154. 

AUAMACE-'E !<'>•» 

Aralia,  155.  ' 

CoiiN ACK.W 1 58 

Cor-.us — Cornel,  Dogwood,  158. 

Division  II. — Monopetalotjs  Exooenous  Plants. 

Capuifoltace.e IGl 

Diervilla — nush-TToneysuckle,  1(12  ;  Triostoum — Feverwort,  102  ;  Sambucns — 
Elder,  Hi;j  ;   Viburnum — Arrow-wood,  1U3. 

RUWACE/E 1G7 

Galium— Bodstraw,Clcavers,  1G7  ;  Ceidialanthus— Button-Bush,  1(58  ;  Mitcli- 
ella— Partridge-Berry,  KJS. 

COMPOSIT/K   ■ Ki!) 

Liatris— Button  Snakeroot,  170  ;Eui)atoriuni — Thorougliwort,  172  ;  Tussilago — 
Coltsfoot,  17;}  ;  Erigeron — Fleabane,  174  ;  Solidago — Golden-Rod,  175  ; 
Grindelia,  170  ;  Inula— Elecamjiane,  177  ;  Ambrosia— Rag-Weed,  178; 
Ilelianthus — Sunflower,  17!) ;  Helenia — Sneeze-Weed,  180;  Maruta — May- 
Weed,  180;  Anthemis— Chamomile,  181  ;  Achillea — Y.irrow,  181  ;  Tan- 
acetum — Tansy,  182  ;  Artemisia — Wormwood,  183  ;  (Inaplialium — Cud- 
Weed,  183;  Ereclithites — Fire-Weed,  184;  Senecio— Groundsel,  184; 
Lappa — Burdock,  185  ;  Cichorium — Chicory,  180  ;  llieraeium — Hawk- 
Weed,  187  ;  Nabalus — Rattlesnake-Root,  187  ;  Taraxacum — Dandelion, 
188. 

LOBKLIACE/K 188 

Lobelia,  189. 

Erkack.e 190 

Vacciniea; — Ericineic— Pyrolere — Monotropene,  190  ;  Sub-order  Ericineaj,  191  ; 
Arctostapliylos— Bearherry,  191 ;  Epig;ea — Trailing  Arbutus,  192  ;  Gaul- 
tlieria — Aromatic  Wintergreen,  192  ;  Andromeda,  193 ;  Oxydendron — 
Sorrel  Tree,  194  ;  K.almia— American  Laurel,  194  ;  Ledum — Labrador 
Tea,  190  ;  Chimaphila— rii)sissew.a,  197. 

AqXTIFOLTACEyK 197 

Ilex— Holly,  198. 

ElJENACEyE 199 

Diospyros — Persimmon,  199. 

Plumhaginace^: 200 

Statice — Marsh -Rosemary,  200. 

BiGNONIACE/E , 201 

Bigiionia,  201  ;  Catalpa,  201. 

OPOnANCHAOE.E , 202 

Epiphegus— Beech-Drops,  202  ;  Conopholis— Cancer-Root,  203  ;  Aphylloii— 
Naked  Broom-Rape. 


i 


X  CONTENTS. 

VAOE 

SCBOPIIULAniACR/K 203 

Verbasciim— Miilloin,  ?04  ;  Rcroplmlaria— Figwort,  205  ;  Chelono — Turtle- 
Head,  205  ;  Veronica— Speedttoll,  205. 

Labiat^k 207 

Teucriura — Germander,  207  ;  Mentha— Mint,  207;  Lycopus— Water  Ilore- 
hound,  20!);  Cunila— Dittany,  210;  Pycnantlieniuni— Mountain  Mint, 
210  ;  Iledeoniii — Mock  Pennyroyal,  211  ;  Collinsonia— Horse-Balm,  211  ; 
Monarda— Korse  Mint,  212  ;  Nepeta— Catmint,  212  ;  Scutellaria— Skull- 
cap,  213  ;  Marrubium — Horehound,   214;    Leonurus— Motherwort,  215. 

CONVOLVULACK/K 215 

IponKL'a,  215. 

SOLANACE.I-: 216 

Solanum — Nightshade,  21(i ;  Physalis — Ground  Cherry,  217  ;  Hyoscyamus — 
Henbane,  218  ;  Datura,  21!). 

Gentianace/K 220 

Sabbatia — American  Centaury,  221  ;  Frasera— American  Columbo,  221  ;  Gen- 
tiana— Gentian,  223  ;  Menyanthos— Buckbean,  223. 

LOOANIACE/K 224 

Golseminm — Yellow  Jessamine,  224  ;  Spigelia -Pinkroot,  227. 

Apocynace/K  228 

Asci.EPrADACE^ 22!) 

Asclepias — Milkweed,  230. 

OleacE/K 231 

Fraxinus  — Ash,  231. 

Division  III. — Apetalous  Exogenous  Plants. 

AUI8TOLOCIIIACE.15 233 

Asarum — Wild  Ginger,  232 ;  Aristolochia — Birthwort,  233. 

PlI YTOLACCACE/K 234 

Phytolacca — Pokeweed,  234. 
CUENOPOniACR^ 235 

Chenopodium— Goosefoot,  Pigweed,  235. 

POI4YGONAI  E/E 33() 

Polygonium — Knotweed,  23G  ;  Ruraex — Dock,  237. 

Lauuace.f, 238 

Sassafras,  239  ;  Lindera— Spice  Bush,  240. 

EupiiORiuAC'E^: 240 

Euphorbia— Spurge,  241;  Stillingia,  243. 
Uhticace/k 243 

Ulmus— Elm,  243  ;  Morns— Mulberry,  244  ;  Urtica— Nettle,  244  ;  Cannabis— 
Hemp,  245  ;  Humulus — Hop,  240. 
Juolandacea 248 

Juglans— Walnut,  248. 

CUPULIFEIl/E 249 

Quercns — Oak,  249  ;  Castanea — Chestnut,  250. 

Myuicace/K 250 

Myrica — "'.ayberry,  250  ;  Comptonia  —Sweet-Fern,  253. 


CONTENTS. 


Zl 


•S 


■a' 


'*> 


Betulace.k ^*!:' 

Betula— Birch,  253  ;  Ahuis— Alder,  253. 

Salicace.*: , 

Salix— Willow,  25:$ ;  Fopulus— Poplar,  254. 

Conipp:i:,k ^^^ 

Abietinefc,  2r>r> ;  Pimi3-Pine,  250;  Abies-Spruce,  257;  Laiix-Urcli,  259  ■  "  ' 
,  Cupre.ssine.-B,   2G0;    Thuja-Arbor  Vite,  200  ;    Juniperns-Juniper' 2G1  •' 

Taxus-Yew,  202. 

CLASS   II.-MONOCOTYLEDOXOUS   OR   ENDOGENOUS   PLANTS. 

Au.VCE/K 

0(53 

Arisasma-LKiian  Turnip,  203  ;  Symplocarpus-Skuiik  Cabbage,  204-  Acorus 
—Sweet  Flag,  204. 

Al,IHM.\CE,K 

AlLsrua— Water  Plantaiu,  205 

OaCHIDAC'E.K 

Corallorhiza -Coral-Root,  200  ;  Cypripedium -Lady's  Slipper,'  200. 
ILkmodouace.k 

Aletris— Star-Grass,  209. 
lurn.vcE^E 

Iris— Blue  Flag,  270.  

LiLIACE/K 


205 
206 
209 
270 

070! 


Trillium-Three-leaved  Nightshade,  272;  Veratrum -False  Hell,  bore  273  • 
Cham.-elirium-Devil's  Bit,  274;  Convallaria-Li:y  of  the  Valley'  "75  • 
Polygonatum -Solomon's  Seal,  275;    Erythronium-Dog's-Tooth  Violet,' 


CRYPTOGAMOUS  OK   FLOWERLESS   PLANTS. 

FiLicEs— Fkuns 

I  Pol^ium-Polypod;;  V77  \ '  A^iikiuum-Maidenhdr;'  277  ;'  P^Jn^-Bmke; 

278;  Asplen.um-Spleenwort,  278  ;  Scolopendrium-IIart'sTongue   379- 
Aspidmra-Shield-Fern,  279  ;  Osmunda-Flowering  Fern,  280.        ' 

Lycopodiacr.t; 

Lycopodium— Club-Moss,  383.  ^^^ 


277 


I 

I 


ELEMENTS  OF  BOTANY. 


I  INTliODUCTIOX. 

Botany  is  the  science  which  treats  of  the  vegetable  kirifi^doin. 
A  science  so  comprehensive,  iuchiding  everything  which  relates  to 
plants,  from  the  life  liistory  of  those  low  organisms  on  the  border  Hue 
between  the  animal  and  the  vegetable  world  to  that  of  the  giant  oak  which 
endures  for  centuries,  must  of  necessity  be  divided  for  the  convenience 
of  students.  Accordingly  general  botany  comprises  many  well-recognized 
departments,  one  of  which,  devoted  to  the  history  of  medicinal  plants,  is 
,  known  as  medical  botany. 

But  medical  botany  is  also  a  comin'ehensive  science,  for  the  list  of 
plants  possessing  greater  or  less  medicinal  activity  is  long,  and  the  plants 
are,  in  many  instances,  so  remote  and   inaccessible  that  their  study  is 
beset  with  many  difricultios.     The  obstacles,  however,  in  the  way  of  the 
student  who  would  acquire  a  knowledge  of  tlie  medicinal  plants  of  his 
own  country  are  neither  numerous  nor  formidable.     Especially  is  this  true 
of  the  medical  botan}'  of  North  America  ;  for  tnough  this  continent,  with  its 
broad  extent  of  territory,  varied  surface,  and  extremes  of  temperature,  sup- 
■  ■   ports  an  extensive  and  interesting  flora,  the  number  of  medicinal  species  is 
surprisingly  small,  and  these  are  so  distributed  as  to  be  generally  accessible. 
The  medical  botany  of  North  America,  then,  treats  of  all  plants  grow- 
ing on  the  continent  without  cultivation  which  possess,  or  are  supposed 
I   to  possess,   medicinal   activity.      It  treats  of   them  as  living,   organized 
I   bodies,  classifying  them  according  to  their  structural  affinities,  and  not  as 
I  they  are  treated  of  in  the  Materia  Medica,  as  mere  drugs,  arranged  ac- 
I   cording  to  their  real  or  supposed  therapeutic  effects. 

-I  It  will  be  seen,  liowever,  that  this  classiflcation  of  plants  according  to 
.  their  structural  affinities  may  often  afford  valuable  hints  as  to  the  thera- 
peutic properties  of  alhed  species.  As  the  comparative  anatomist  and 
__  physiologist,  kno:\ing  the  structure  and  habits  of  a  single  animal  of  a 
family,  may  deduce  the  habits  of  an  allied  species  whose  structure  only  is 
known,  so  may  the  medical  botanist,  knowing  the  physiological  or  thera- 
peutic effect  of  a  single  species  of  a  genus,  draAv  a  reasonable  inference  re- 
garding the  properties  of  an  alhed  species  iu  advance  of  expeiimentation. 


ELEMENTS   OF    BOTANY. 


|M| 


GENERAL  PRINCIPLES  OF  VEGETABLE  GROWTH 
AND  REPRODUCTION. 

A  knowledge  of  the  general  princii'les  of  vegeLable  life  maj'  be  aeqinrsd 
by  carefully  studying  the  history  of  any  plant,  however  humble,  from  the 
germination  of  its  seed  upward  through  the  various  stages  of  its  develop- 
ment to  the  formation  and  perfection  of  its  fruit. 

Take,  as  a  familiar  and  often-used  illustration,  a  common  garden  bean 
(Fig.  1).     This  seed,  we  know,  is  capable,  under  favorable  circumstances, 


Fui.  1.  l''i(}.  2.  Fill.  3.  I'w.  -1. 

Fig.  1. — A  Uiiin.    Fio.  2. — The  suinc,  with  Roed-coat  removoil.     Fio.  3.  — The  Banic,  with  ouu  st'od-lcaf  re- 
move,., showing  uinbryo  leaves.     Fio.  4.— A  beiin  after  germination. 

of  developing  into  a  plant  like  its  parent,  though  its  external  appearance 
affoi'ds  no  hint  of  such  hidden  possibilities.  Externally  it  is  covered  by  a 
coating  of  horny  hardness,  everywhere  smooth  and  glistening  save  at  one 
point  on  its  slightly  concave  side,  where  it  was  attached  to  the  pod  in 
which  it  grew.  This  point  of  former  attachment  is  marked  by  a  scar, 
termed  the  hilum,  and,  as  will  be  shown  later,  is  strictly  analogous  to  the 
umbilical  scar  of  animals. 

Removing  now  this  external  coating,  the  seed  is  seen  to  comprise  two 
similar,  symmetrical  parts,  joined  bj'  a  small  body  of  like  texture,  which  is 
folded  down  along  their  line  of  apposition  (Fig.  2).  A  more  minute  mi- 
croscropical  and  chemical  examination  would  demonstrate  other  features 
of  interest,  biit  foreign  to  our  present  purpose. 

Protected  from  moisture  a  bean  may  be  preserved  for  years  without 
change,  and  giving  no  sign  of  vitality,  but  planted  in  damp  earth  it  speed- 
ily undergoes  changes  which  are  interesting  and  instructive.  As  it  absorbs 
moisture  the  external  coaling  is  ruptured,  the  two  parts  of  the  seed  sepa- 
rate along  their  margins,  and  the  small  body  joining  them  elongates 
(Fig.  4).  Moreover,  this  elongation  is  always  in  a  downward  direction, 
whatever  may  be  the  position  of  the  seed  in  the  gi-ound.  There  is,  how- 
ever, growth  upwai-d  at  the  same  time,  and  soon  the  seed  appears  above 


VEGETABLE    GROWTH    AND    REPRODUCTION^. 


3 


frround,  its  two  parts  tliverfirin{^  and  oxliibiting  between  tlicni  a  bud,  which 
develops  a  pair  of  green  leaves  with  im  intervening  bud  (Fig.  5).  This 
bud  develops  other  leaves,  and  so  on,  the  further  upward  growth  of  the 
plant  being  but  a  repetition  of  the  process.  In  the  axi's  of  the  leaves 
buds  are  also  developed,  and  these  grow  in  a  manner  similar  to  that  of  the 

juuiu  hteni,  so  that  the 
plant  assumes  a  more  or 
less  symmetrical  spread- 
ing appearance. 

Returniug  now  to  that 
portion  of  the  seed  which 
elongates  downward,  we 
observe  that  it  branches 
rapidly  as  it  grows,  but  iu 


Fill,  5. — A  lienii  witli  its  first  pair  of  true  loaves, 
bearing  the  Kted-leavch  above  f^roiiiul. 


Fid.  6.  Fi(i.  7.  Fi(i.  8.  Fio.  9. 

Fio.  (i  —A  kernel  of  Indinn  corn,  Bhowing  tlie  embryo.     Fio.  7. — Tho  same.  rovcrMs  side.    Fia.  3. — The 
same  after  germination.     Fia.  9. — Imlian  corn  with  its  first  leaves. 

an  irregular,  unsymraetrical  manner,  differing  widely  in  this  respect  from 
the  ascending  portion,  whose  branches  are  axillary  and  regular.  We 
note  also  tlie  absence  of  buds  and  green  color. 

Tlie  downward  growth  of  the  plant  keeps  pace,  to  a  certain  extent, 
with  its  upward  development.  Apart  from  the  physiological  functions  of 
the  roots,  the  mechanictd  suppoi-t  which  they  yield  to  the  steifl  requires 
that  their  develojmient  should  be  proportionate  to  its  growth. 

Taking  a  kernel  of  Indian  corn  as  another  example,  we  shall  find  that 


4  ELEMENTS    OF   BOTANY. 

it  too  has  nil  extcinial  coating  similar  to  that  of  tho  boan.  I^onioving  this, 
the  sf'cd  is  fpiuid  coiuiiosod  of  a  single  body,  marked  on  one  side  by  a 
longitudinal  el(;vation  (I'ig.  <!),  instead  of  two  similar  parts  as  in  the  bean. 
Buried  in  tho  earth,  a  kernel  of  corn  absorbs  moisture,  the  little  f^lcvntion 
on  its  side  begins  to  elongate  in  an  upward  and  downward  direction  (Fig.  8), 
one  extremity  producing  a  cluster  of  roots,  the  other  leaves  (Fig.  !)),  the 
seed  itself  rv  juaining  in  the  ground,  and  not  borne  above  it  as  in  the  case 
of  the  bean. 

"Without  tracing  the  history  of  these  plants  further,  enough  has  been 
shown  to  demonstrate  that  a  seed  is  an  embryo  plant,  as  fully  fitted  for  an 
independent  existence  when  placed  under  proper  circuuistances  as  is  the 
infant  mammal  when  it  issues  from  its  mother's  wondj.  Tlu;  re(]iusite 
circiuustauces  arc  in  the  one  case,  first  of  idl,  air  to  bnxxthe,  in  tho  other, 
moisture  and  seclusion  from  light. 

Having  seen  how  a  plant  starts  on  its  course  of  development  from  the 
seed,  we  will  noAV  proceed  to  study  the  organs  by  means  of  which  its  various 
functions  ai'e  performed. 

THE  ROOT. 

The  root  of  a  plant  is  its  descending  axis.  In  the  vast  majority  of  in- 
stances it  fixes  the  plant  in  position  and  gives  support  to  the  stem,  but 
not  in  all,  for  there  arc  many  aquatic  plants  whose  roots  are  suspended  in 
the  water,  taking  no  hold  upon  the  soil  at  the  bottom.  But  even  here 
they  give  a  certain  amount  of  steadiness  to  the  plant,  and  assist  it  in  main- 
taining a  comparative  equilibrium  Avhen  the  surface  of  the  water  is  dis- 
turbed by  waves  or  currents. 

Eoots  present  themselves  in  many  different  forms,  and  as  these  are 
often  made  use  of  in  botanical  descriptions,  it  is  necessary  for  the  student 
to  familiarize  himself  with,  at  least,  the  leadin^,  ones. 

The  simplest  fbrm  of  the  I'oot  is  that  which  gi'ows  directly  downward 
from  the  embrj'o,  giving  off  but  few  lateral  branches,  and  these  of  com- 
paratively small  size  ;  this  is  known  as  a  tapTOOt.  The  beet,  turnip 
(Fig.  10),  carrot,  and  radish,  among  herbs,  are  familiar  examples  in  which 
the  tap-root  attains  a  great  develoj^ment  while  its  lateral  branches  are  in- 
significant. In  many  forest  trees  the  main  root  penetrates  the  earth  to  a 
considerable  depth  before  lateral  branches  of  important  size  are  given  off. 
Such  trees,  however,  never  have  tap-roots  of  as  proportionably  great  size 
as  many  herbaceous  plants,  for  two  reasons  :  plant  food  is  more  almndant 
near  the  surface,  and  the  greater  the  depth  the  more  compact  the  soil  and 
the  more  difficult  for  the  roots  to  penetrate.  Hence  it  occurs  that  most 
forest  trees  which  start  in  life  with  strongly  marked  tap-roots  have,  at  a 
later  period,  lateral  roots  of  a  greater  size  than  the  main  descending  axis. 

Iia  very  many  plants,  instead  of  a  single  root  growing  downward  from 


THE    ROOT. 


a 


the  root-end  of  the  embiyo,  the?  arc  pvoiluccd  a  chi  ^ter  of  roots  at  once, 
as  in  the  Intliiiii  ccn-n  :  such  are  ;nniiuiiat('il  fascicled  roots.  T(j  this 
class  belong  tiie  grasses  ami  very  many  licrbaceuiis  plants  whose  rapid 
growth  depends  largely  upon  their  abundant  roots. 

Such  are  the  two  main  forms  of  primary  roots — that  is,  roots  gi'owing 
directly  from  the  seed  ;  but  of  course  they  are  subject  to  many  moditi- 
cations.  We  are  to  consider  the  beet,  turnip,  and  carrot,  as  presented  U) 
us  in  cultivation,  only  as  exaggerated  forms  of  tap-roots,  due  chitlly  to 


rmmm  X 


\ 


Fig.  10. — A  turnip— tap-root. 


Fio.  11.— A  ilnhlia— thickened  fascicled  roots. 


natural  habit  but  largely  also  to  man's  intelligent  propagation.  A  some- 
what similar  exaggeration  of  fascicled  roots  is  seen  in  tlio  common  dahlia 
(Fig.  11).  This  plant  starts  on  its  course  with  a  fascicle  of  roots  which, 
later  on,  become  thickened  for  some  distance  below  their  junction  with 
the  stem. 

As  will  be  seen  later,  these  various  modifications  of  the  primary  forms 
of  roots  have  an  important  bearing  upon  plant  life,  and,  incidentally, 
often  sei-ve  as  the  storehouses  from  which  are  drawn  valuable  medicinal 
agents. 

In  addition  to  the  primary  roots  growing  from  the  seed,  nature  has  en- 


6 


KLKMENTS    OF    HOTANY. 


tlowod  mnwy  i)lmitH  willi  flio  power  of  jjuttin^'  fortli  roots  ns  occasion  may 
require  from  uuy  part  of  the  stoin,  or  cvon,  in  nonio  iustanceH,  from  tho 
loaves,  tliUH  f^'iviii^  tlicm  a  (loul)l('  liold  on  lifo  :  such  are  dcnominatod 
secondary  or  adventitious  roots.  The  common  Htra\vi)crry  of  onr 
gardens  will  servo  as  an  illustration  of  on((  kind  of  adventitious  roots. 
This  i)lant  2irodiicos  "runners,"'  which  put  forth  roots  at  the  point  where 
they  touch  ground,  then  a  cluster  of  leaves,  and  a  new  jjlant  is  formed. 
The  stems  of  the  rnuning  Mackherry  (/lulniti  ( '(inatlensis  L. )  often  root  freely 
also,  and  form  a  netting  for  the  feet  of  the  nnwary.  Very  many  illustra- 
tions of  plants  endowed  with  tlun  power  might  be  found  anywhere  about 


Fig.  ]2.--Conimon  ivy  (lledera  Ifellsi-),  with  nilvoiUitioua  roots. 

lis,  bnt  it  remains  for  the  skilful  gardener  to  develop  it  to  its  fullest  er- 
tent,  as  his  cuttings  of  roses,  geraniums,  and  indeed  of  almost  all  his  rarest 
and  most  beautiful  l)looming  plants  abundantly  testify. 

Such  ad'ventitious  roots  are,  however,  true  roots,  which  perform  the 
ordinarv  functions  of  such  organs.  There  are  other  adventitious  roots  of 
an  entirely  ditYerent  character.  The  stem  of  the  poison  ivy  (lihus  Toxicoden- 
dron L.),  when  growing  beside  some  object  to  which  it  can  cling,  puts 
forth  roots  in  innumcr.iblo  numbers  which  do  not  contribute  in  any  de- 
gree whatever  to  the  nourishment  of  the  plant,  but  merely  aftbrd  mechan- 
ical sui)port.     Moreover,  these  roots  appear  to  be  produced  in  response  to 


I 


THE    ROOT.  7 

the  stimulation  of  contnct  with  a  Hupportiii^'  Hurfaco,  in  tho  samo  manner 
us  tlie  ailvcntitiouH  (true)  roots  of  the  straw! )t!rry  riniiicr  aro  called  forth 
by  contact  with  the  damp  earth.  Of  this  kind  of  mlvcnlitious  roots  many 
illustrationH  mi<,'ht  also  be  adduced  ;  one  more  will  suffice,  the  common 
ivy  {Hedera  IMix  L.)  (Fit?.  12). 

Some  plants  produce  a  kind  of  adventitious  roots  by  which  they  attach 
themselves  to  other  herbs  or  shrubs  and  draw  tlieir  nourishment  from 
them.     The  common  dodder  (Fig.  lU)  will  serve  as  un  illustration.     Tho 


P10..I3.— DcxUlnr  (Cm«  «to),  parasitic  upon  another  plant. 

seeds  of  this  plant  germinate  in  the  ground  ;  the  stems  grow  until  some 
suitable  support  is  reached,  then  twine  about  it  and  put  forth  a  s:ort  of 
rootlets  by  means  of  which  nourishment  is  drawn  from  the  supporting 
plant.  Then  direct  communication  Avith  tho  earth  is  cut  off  by  the  death 
of  the  stem  below  the  adventitious  rootlets,  and  the  plant  thenceforth  lives 
as  a  true  parasite. 

The  general  structure  of  the  root  does  not  differ  greatly  from  that  of 
the  stem.  In  both  there  is  bark,  woody  tissue,  and  pith,  though  the  last- 
named  is  seldom  very  distinct  in  the  root.  In  their  modes  of  growth 
there  is,  however,  considerable  difference.  As  already  shown,  the  stem 
branches  according  to  a  fiixed  and  regular  plan,  and,  as  will  be  seen  later, 
while  still  young  elongates  between  the  branches.  In  the  root,  on  the 
contrary,  branches  issue  irregularly  and  elongation  is  limited  to  the  grow- 
ing extremity.     In  other  worda,  a  root  of  a  given  length,  once  laid  in  the 


ELEMENTS   OF   BOTANV. 


Roil,  never  olonp.itos  by  intorcfllnl'ir  gvowtli,  but  only  incrrnacs  its  lenpftli 
!)}•  iidditioiiH  to  its  j^i'owiii}^  extroinity.  Uh  incrcuyo  in  tliiimoter  is  uccum- 
plislied  in  the  Hiuuo  inixiintT  as  that  of  tho-Htom. 

Without  onteriuf,'  too  ininutcly  into  the  Htnicture  of 
tlic  growing,'  extremity  of  the  root,  it  in  neccswiry  to  ob- 
Hcrvc  that  this  is  luado  up  of  a  iiianH  of  colls  which  nuil- 
liply  rapidly  inul  are  cunstuntly  building-  up  tissue  (Fij,'.  li) 
in  a  forward  direction.  Tlmy  are,  nion.'over,  endowed  with 
the  power  of  rapid  al:)Horptiou,  and  are,  in  faet,  the  innu- 
merable moutli!^  which  feed  the  growin<»  i)lant.  In  order  to 
increase  the  absorbinjif  surface  of  the  roots,  the  youuf^'er 
v)ues  ar(!  pi'ovided  with  elonpjated  cells,  commonly  called 
root-hairs.  Thou<?h  of  microscoi)ic  siz(!,  these  are  pro- 
duced in  such  infinite  iuunl)ers  as  to  be  of  immense  ser- 
vice. .As,  however,  they  are  only  required  durinjjj  the  pe- 
riod of  active  <?rowth,  they  are  not  evident  in  autumn  after  the  season's 
work  is  accomplished. 


FifJ.  M.-Th(. 
(TTovvinti  rxtri'inity 
iif  a  runt,  with  riM)t- 
liiiirs.     MiikiiIIUhI. 


FUNCTIONS  OF   ROOT.S. 


Tlio  mechnnical  functions  of  the  roots  in  supportinp^  the  stem  have 
already  been  alluded  to.  We  have  now  to  consider  their  other  imiwrtant 
ollices. 

As  animals  feed  upon  plants,  so  plants  feed  upon  minerals.  And  as 
they  are  not  pro  dded  with  organs  for  the  mastication  of  their  food,  they 
nuist  necessarily  receive  it  in  a  strte  of  subdivision  suited  to  their  needs 
and  powers  of  absorption.  In  this  foi'm  tlujy  find  it  in  tin;  damp  earth 
wliich  their  roots  penetrate.  Every  rootlet  is  a  seeker  for  f()r)d  and  every 
<j[rowin<:j  cell  is  hun^-ry.  Water,  with  <,'ases  and  mineral  salts  in  solution, 
is  <>reedily  sucked  up  and  carried  toward  the  suidi;^ht  for  elaboration. 

Roots  are,  moreover,  endowed,  to  some  extent,  with  the  power  of  se- 
lecting the  proper  nourishment  for  the  plant  which  they  feed,  and  they 
will  take  this  or  notliing.  The  most  careless  farmer  has  learned  that  he 
cainiot  successfully  raise  the  same  crop  on  a  field  year  after  j-car  without 
fertilizers.  The  explanation  is  simple.  Suppose  corn  be  planted  year 
after  year  in  the  same  ground.  The  roots  of  each  succeeding  crop  liud 
less  and  less  nourishment,  until  finally  partial  or  complete  starvation  re- 
sults. And  this  occurs,  too,  while  there  may  be  still  plenty  of  food  lit  for 
other  plants. 

Hence  the  rotation  of  crops,  a  princii:)lo  at  the  foundation  of  successful 
farming,  depends  upon  the  selective  powers  of  roots. 

But  all  plants  are  not  fixed  in  the  soil  and  do  not  draw  their  nourish- 
ment from  it.  Many  aquatic  plants  float  in  the  Avater ;  these  find  their 
j)roper  food  iu  that  element.     Others  are  parasitic  upon  the  stems  or  roots 


STEM    AND    BUANCIIES. 


9 


of  other  pknts,  tlioir  roofs  ponotriitin<?  tlio  bark  and  siirkinpf  \ip  the  juiccii 
nh'oady  tliiboriitid  for  their  ikhmIs.  To  this  class  belong'  tlio  bi'ich-(h'oj)s 
[I'Jliiphrijns  I'i I'lji iiiunu  liiirUm),  i)av[iHii'n:  upon  the  roots  of  the  beech,  and 
American  niistletoo  {I'l'.urailtnidroii  Jlavescnin  Nuttall),  a  woody  ijarasito 
iipon  the  branches  of  forest  trees,  common  in  tlio  Southern  States. 

Still  other  plants  arc  mainly  nourished  by  roots  which  lianj*  in  the  air. 
These,  called  air-plants,  arc  almost  exclusively  inhabitants  of  warm,  moist 


regions. 


Another  important  oflico  of  some  roots  is  to  servo  as  storehouses  of 
nourishment  for  the  future  needs  of  the  plant.  The  great  mass  of  plants 
are  annuals,  living  at  a  single  season,  during  which  they  germinate  from 
the  seed,  attaii:  th(  n  full  development,  flower,  produce  fruit,  and  die. 
These  hive  no  n:'(>l  for  a  reserv-e  store  of  nourishment,  iieiice  their  roots 
are  iibrous  and  not  thickened. 

]iut  many  plants,  termed  biennials,  gorminate  from  the  seed  in 
spring,  i)ro;luco  a  cluster  of  radical  leaves,  and  develop  a  very  large  t;.^)- 
root  during  the  lirst  season.  The  next  spring,  drawing  upon  the  store  of 
nourishme.'.t  laid  up  in  the  root,  they  send  up  vigorous  llowei'-stems,  pro- 
duce seed,  and  die.  ^^fany  such  roots,  as  the  beet,  carrot,  and  turnip,  are 
of  great  importimeo  as  articles  of  food. 

Plants  which  endure  for  several  years,  termed  perennials,  not  un- 
frequently  have  roots  of  the  same  character.  These  thickened  njots  in 
many  instances  contain  the  active  medicinal  principles  of  the  plants. 


THE  STEJI  AND  BRANCHES. 

We  have  seen  that  the  stem  is  the  ascending  axis  of  a  plant ;  that  it 
grows  upward  toward  the  light  at  the  same  time  that  the  root  is  develo^v 
ing  in  an  opposite  direction.  Wo  have  now  to  consider  more  particularly 
its  mode  of  growth  md  some  of  its  more  common  forms. 

In  the  case  of  the  bean  it  was  observed  that  riitcr  ih.o  seed-leaves  came 
a  pair  of  green  leaves  (Fig.  5)  ;  jjfter  these  another  pair,  and  so  on.  The 
points  where  these  leaves  appear  are  termed  nodes  or  joints,  and  the 
spaces  between  them  internodes.  Now,*  duiing  the  earlier  stages  of 
growth  the  internodes  increase  both  longitudinally  and  in  diameter  also 
by  cell-proliferation,  so  that  though  two  nodes  of  a  growing  shoot  may, 
when  their  leaves  first  unfold,  be  quite  close  together,  in  the  end  avc  find 
them  separated  by  an  interval  of  i^erhaps  several  inches.  In  this  particular, 
as  stated  above,  the  gi'owth  of  the  stem  ditTers  greatly  from  tliat  of  the 
root. 

Again,  it  w  ..^  noted  that  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves  were  buds  which  nor- 
mally developed  into  branches  subject  to  the  same  laws  of  growth  as  the 
main  stem.  We  have  now  only  to  suppose  that  these  axillary  buds  keep 
pace  with  the  development  of  the  main  stem,  and  every  oi^posite-leaved 


10 


ELEMENTS   OF   UOTANY. 


plant  woulfl  assume  a  rogular,  symmetrioal  shape.  But  practically  tho 
vast  iniijority  oi'  kucL  i)lants  arc  unsyuiiiietricai,  iiiairly  because  the  ter" 
minal  bud — that  is,  tlie  bud  terminating^  tho  main  stem — is  so  much  more 
vigorous  than  the  others,  that  having  the  start  in  the  beginning  it  keeps 
it  and  leaves  the  branches  with  comparatively  little  nourishment.  In  many 
plants  tho  growth  of  tlie  terminal  bud  is  so  vigorous  that  the  axillarj'  buds 
never  unfold  and  the  stem  remains  always  simple — that  is,  not  branched. 

But  suppose  some  accident  destroys  the  terminal  bud :  then  the  ax- 
illary buds,  especially  those  nearest  the  seat  of  the  injiu'y,  are  quickened 
into  activity,  and  a  plant  whose  atem  is  naturally  simple  becomes  branched. 


Fio.  15. — Solomon'h-sonl — n  subterrnncan  Btem  [rhinome).    Lraf  parallel-veined. 

Again,  some  plants  in  germination  ^have  not  one  or  two  seed-leaves 
only,  but  a  cluster  of  them  ;  in  these  the  branches  normally  assume  aver- 
ticillate  character.  Tliis  is  the  rule  in  the  pine  f;)n!ily  {(Jonifcnr).  Others 
still  which  start  with  their  leaves  in  pairs,  at  a  later  stage  produce  them 
alternatel}'  ;  here  the  branches  are  also  alternate.  And  some  plants  have 
forking  branches,  the  growing  Inxd  ceasing  activity  at  a  certain  point  and  a 
pair  of  forking  branches  starting  from  the  axils  of  the  last  developed  leaves. 

This  brief  view  of  the  growth  of  the  stem  and  branches  demonstrates 
sufficiently  that  every  plant  in  its  development  obeys  a  fixed  law  of  its 
being.     Yet  from  a  few  primary  forms  arises  endless  divei     ty  ! 

Many  of  the  forms  of  stems  have  received  distinctive  names,  which  are 
made  use  of  in  botanical  descriptions,  as  simple,  not  branched  ;  erect, 
growing  straight  up;  ascending,  arishig  oblic^uely  ;  twining,  climbing 


STEM    AXD    BllANOIIES. 


11 


1 


■a 


by  twining  nhout  some  support ;  prostrate,  Ij'ing  flat  on  the  grouncl ; 
trailing,  runninpj  alonf:^  over  the  surfaee  of  tlie  <:jroiiii(l  or  other  i)liiiits,  etc. 
Til  us  far  we  have  studied  the  stem  us  it  ordinarily  appears  to  us  al)ove 
ground,  but  there  are  stems  of  vast  importance  which  are  wholly  subter- 
ranean and  are  commonly  spoken  of  as  roots.  That  of  Solomon's-scal 
(Fig.  15)  will  serve  as  an  illustration  of  one  form  of  such  stems.  Placed  just 
beneath  the  surface  in  a  horizontal  position,  it  "npears  as  a  thickened,  fleshy, 
root-like  body,  bearing  numerous  I'ootlets,  a  terminal  scaly  bud  at  its 
anterior  extremity,  and  sending  up  a  flower-stem,  behind  which  are  seal's 
left  by  the  falling  awa^'  of  previous  ones.  Each  year  a  new  joint  is  added, 
while  commonly  the  oldest  one  rots  away  ;  hence  the  stem  is  slowly,  year  by 
year,  creeping  forward.     Such  au  underground  stem  is  called  a  rhizomei 


Fio.  Ifi.— nviipinth  l)nlb. 


FiO.  17. — Vorticnl  scotion  of  a  livarinth  bulb. 


Rhizomes  present  many  different  forms.  They  are  simple  or  In-anched, 
horizontal  or  ascending,  fleshy,  etc.,  and  are  perennial.  Podophyllum, 
sanguiuarii,  ami  iris  are  among  our  active  medicinal  plants  which  have 
stems  of  this  chai'actei". 

In  general,  rhizomes  contain  the  more  active  principles  of  the  plants, 
and  in  the  greatest  proportion.  As  such  plants  st<-re  away  a  great  amount 
of  nourishment  in  their  fleshy  stems  for  the  succeeding  year's  needs,  they 
commonly  make  vigorous  growth  early  In  spring,  and  are  mostly  early 
bloomers. 

Another  common  form  of  subteiTanean  stem  is  the  bulb  ;  that  of  thq 
hyacinth  (Fig.  IG)  affording  a  good  illuatratiou.   A  vertical  section  (Fig.  17) 


12 


ELEMENTS    OF   BOTANY. 


Fio.  18. — Vertical  section  of  an  onion. 


explains  its  character  pcrfec*  ly.  It  is  made  up  of  floshj'  scales  (reduced 
leaves),  arranged  in  regular  order,  which  gradually  take  on  the  form  of 
true  leaves  toward  the  centre  and  enclose  the  tlower-stem.  The  onion 
(Fig.  IH)  has  a  similar  structure. 

Bulbs  tdso  i^resent  themselves  in  diverse  forms,  as  the  scaly  and  fleshy. 

One  form,  'vhich  is  solid  and  of  more  or 
less  homogeneous  structure,  not  made  up 
of  scales,  is  termed  a  corm.  That  of  the 
Indian  turnip  {Armenia  triphi/llum  Tor- 
rey)  is  of  this  character. 

Many  of  these    imderground    stems 
multiply  by  division  or  otlshoots.     The 
hyacinth,  for  example,  forms  bulblets  in 
the  axils  of  its  scales,  which  develop  into 
new   plants.      And    niany  creei)ing  rhi- 
zomes send  up  aCrial  stems  from  nearly 
every  joint.     It  should  not  be  forgotten, 
however,  that  all  such  plants  grow  from 
the  seed  originally,  in  the  same  manner 
as  those  having  only  aerial  stems. 
The  common  potato  furnishes  a  curious  example  of  a  i^lant  with  aerial 
and  imderground  stems,  both  well  developed  ;  for    the  jjotato,  termed  a 
tuber,  is  really  a  thickened  portion  of  u  subterranean  stem,  and  tach  of 
its  so-called  eyes  a  bud  capable  of  developing  into  a  new  plant. 

Stems,  like  root.s,  are  annual,  biennial,  ov  ■perennial.  Naturally  all  an- 
nual roots  support  only  annual  stems,  but  all  subterranean  .-iems  send  up 
annual  flowering  stems  and  leaves.  Perennial  plants  are  spoken  of  as 
herbaceous,  suffruticose,  or  woody,  according  to  wnether  they  have 
annual  stems,  those  that  are  partly  woody  and  do  not  die  entirely  down  to 
the 'ground,  or  those  of  Avood  suiiiciently  vigorous  to  resist  the  winter. 
Woody  plants  tinder  about  twenty  feet  in  height  are  called  shrubs  ;  when 
of  greater  heiglit  they  are  known  as  trees.  This  distinction  is,  of  course, 
somewhat  arbitrary,  and  a  given  specimen  may  be  spoken  of  as  a  shrub  or 
small  tree. 

In  stnictnre  stems  are  composed  of  bark,  wood,  and  pith  ;  and  the 
manner  in  which  these  three  are  arranged,  with  their  relations  to  each 
other,  serve  as  the  basis  of  the  division  of  flowering  plants  into  two  great 
classes,  namely,  the  exogenous  and  the  endogenous. 

Exogenous  plants  have  their  bark,  wood,  and  pith  each  distinct,  as 
shown  in  the  cross-section  of  the  stem  of  an  oak  (Fig.  19),  in  which  the  cen- 
tral stell'ite  portion  is  the  pith,  the  external  dark  zone  the  bark,  and  the 
intermediate  pi '  *  the  wood.  Tlie  proportions  of  the  three  vary  greatly  in 
dift'crent  plants,  but  their  relative  positions  are  always  the  same  in  exogen- 
ous stems. 


STEM    AND    BRANCHES. 


13 


Their  structure  deserves  more  attention  than  we  can  give  in  this  place, 
but  must  receive  at  least  a  passing  glance. 

Pith  is  but  an  aggregation  of  thin-walleJ  cells,  originally  spherical  in 


Fig.  10. — Cross-seci.1^     A  the  Ptem  of  an  oak. 


Fig.  2'J.— Cellular  tis.sue  (pitli).     Mngiiified. 


Fio.  21.— Ol)li(tuo 
Bcctiou  of  line  year- 
old  stem  of  nilanthus. 


shape  but  become  polyhedral  by  mutual  compression  (Fig.  20).  In  other 
word.s  it  is  merelv  cellular  tissue,  with  feeble  vitality  and  short-liv(>d. 
Tlxough  active  in  the  young  and  growing  shoot,  it  soon  becomes  inert,  and 
not  unfrequently  decays  long  before  the 
plant  reaches  its  term  of  existence.  It 
is  commonly  more  abuiulant  proi^oi'tion- 
ately  in  herbs  and  suflfruticosc  plants 
than  in  woody  perennials.  In  some 
rapidly  growing  woody  perennials,  how- 
ever, the  young  stems  have  a  very  largo 
proportion  of  pith,  as  seen  in  the  ailan- 
thus  (Fig.  21).  As  it  exists  in  most 
exogenous  stems,  it  might  very  properly 
be  viewed  solely  as  a  relic  of  their  in- 
fancy. 
During  the  stage  of  its  active  growth,  the  pith  of 
some  plants  abounds  in  mucilaginous  principles,  that 
of  the  young  shoots  of  sassafras  being  especially  marked 
in  this  respect,  and  being  considerably  used  in  medicine 
on  this  account. 

Wood  also  possesses  a  cellular  structure,  but  the 
cells  are  of  a  differ  nt  shape  from  those  of  the  pith,  and 
are  differentl}'  arranged.  TLey  are  commonly  elongate- 
cylindrical,  tapering  at  each  end,  placed  side  by  side, 
and  overlapping  at  the  ends  (Fig.  22)  in  such  manner 
as  to  form  more  or  less  tough,  strong  fibres.  In  early 
youth  they  have  trausparei  t  walls,  and  thus  permit  the  ready  ingress  and 


Fio.  32.— WofHl-cells. 
Mttgmrted. 


14 


ELEMENTS    OF    BOTANY. 


egress  of  liquids  hy  osiuose.  Later  tlieir  walls  become  thickened  by  the 
deijositiou  uf  celliiloso,  etc.,  iind  lose  their  transparency.  The  wood-cells 
of  some  plants  are  of  a  characteristic  form,  ■which  may  serve,  as  in  the 
conifene,  for  the  identification  of  the  order. 

But  inspection  of  a  cross-section  of  almost  any  exogenous  stem  will 
show  tha<  the  woody  tissue  is  not  unif(jrnily  solid  throughout,  Init  is  trav- 
ersed by  many  small  canals  (Fig.  215).  In  souie  stems,  as  that  of  the  grape- 
vine, these  are  so  large  that  one  can  readily  draw  water  through  them  by 
suction  with  the  lips.  These  canals  are  called  ducts  or  vessels,  and  are 
formed  from  large  cells  placed  end  to  end,  the  cell- walls  at  their  point  of 
contact  afterward  being  absorbed. 


!imtini,.:;'iii:-t-aa.if;,jji.yAA 


Fio.  23. — Horizontal  and  vertical  section  of  the  stem  of  a  maplo.     Magnified. 


Nor  is  this  all.  A  longitudinal  section  of  many  stems  shows  glistening 
l^lates  of  tissue  traversing  the  wood  from  the  pith  toward  the  bark  ;  these 
plates,  called  medullary  rays,  are  formed,  like  the  pith,  of  cellular  tis- 
sue, and  serve  as  a  means  of  communication  between  the  pith  and  the  ex- 
ternal growing  surface  of  the  stem  (Fig.  24).  The  medullary  rays  of  oak 
and  sugar-maple  are  highly  developed,  forming  the  so-called  satin  grain  of 
the  wood. 

Inspection  of  a  ci-oss-soction  of  any  exogenous  stem  of  a  few  years' 
growth  will  show  that  the  Avood  is  made  up  of  concentric  rings 
(Fig.  19).  These  rings  represent  annual  accessions  to  the  wood  previously 
formed,  each  one  comprising  the  gi'owth  of  a  year.  Each  is  complete  in 
itself,  and,  though  more  or  less  sti'ongly  adherent  to  the  one  which  it  encir- 
cles, evidently  is,  at  the  time  of  its  growth,  the  only  grcnving  part  of  the  stem. 
Once  formed,  these  rings  afterward  undei'go  but  slight  changes  in  char- 
acter, and  never  any  in  volume.  As  years  pass  by  they  become  more  dense, 
and  generally  more  or  less  deeply  colored  by  the  deposition  of  coloring 
matters.     Hence,  after  a  few  years'  growth  most  exogenous  stems  present 


STEM    AND    BRANCHES. 


15 


in  cross-section  a  central  colored  portion,  termed  hcai't-wood  or  duramen, 
surrounded  by  a  lighter  zone  of  sap-wood  or  alburnum,  the  latter  de- 
rivin"-  its  name  from  the  fact  that  the  sap  still  circulates  through  it,  while 
the  former  no  longer  possesses  vital  activity,  and  like  the  pith  may,  and 
often  does,  decay  without  impairing  the  vigor  of  the  plant. 

From  tlie  foregoing  it  becomes  evident  tliat  the  proliferation  of  wood- 
ceJls  is  only  to  be  found  in  2)rogres8  ui)on  the  outside  of  the  wod  already 
formed,  just  underneath  the  bark.  As  aggregated  here,  these  young  gi'ow- 
ing  cells  form  what  is  termed  the  cambium  layer.  This  layer  is  com- 
monly of  a  mucilaginous  character,  and  during  the  period  of  its  greatest 
activity  permits  the  bark  to  be  readily  separated  from  the  stem. 


Fio.  2-1. — Vortionl  section  of  the  stem  of  a  niiipk',  sliowiiiK'  the  iiKdullaiy  my.).     Ma;-rnifiO(l. 


I 


The  bark  is  the  protective  covering  of  the  stem.  At  first  composed, 
like  the  pith,  wholly  of  cellular  tissue,  it  later  develops  wood-cells,  par- 
ticularly on  its  inner  surface,  and  is  divisible  into  an  inner  and  an  outer 
layer.  The  inner  bark  is  commonly  composed  of  long  wood-cells,  termed 
bast'Cells,  united  into  fibres  often  of  great  strength  and  toughness,  as 
in  flax  and  hemp.  The  outer  bark  is  composed  largely  of  cellular  tissue, 
and  presents  two  layers,  the  inner  green,  the  outer  corky  ;  the  latter 
being  covered  when  young  with  a  delicate  epidermis.  Like  the  wood  which 
it  covers,  the  bark  increases  in  thickness  each  year,  but  in  a  reverse 
manner.  That  is  to  say,  while  the  wood  increases  by  growth  iipf)n  its 
outer  surface,  the  bark  thickens  by  deposition  of  new  material  ui)on  its 
inner  side  ;  and  while  the  wood  is  continually  dying  from  witliin  out- 
ward, the  b.'irk  is  as  constantly  dying  and  exfoliating  from  without  in- 
ward. INIoreover,  as  the  stem  increases  in  size  the  outer  bai'k,  being  only 
moderately  elastic,  is  split  and  broken,  and  commonly  assumes  a  rugose 
appearance.  In  young  and  very  vigorous  trees  not  unfrequently  the  wood 
grows  so  rajiidly  that  the  bark  cannot  keep  pace  with  it,  and  is  conse- 
quently split  down  to  the  fibrous  layer,  or  even  in  some  instances  to  the 
wood  itself. 


10 


ELEMENTS    OF   BOTANY. 


In  annual  exogenous  i)lants,  though  the  relative  positions  of  the  bark, 
wood,  and  jjith  are  the  same  as  described  above,  the  pith  is  relatively  large, 
the  woody  tissue  is  arranged  ^^  ith  less  unif orniity,  often  in  wedge-shaped 
bundles,  and  the  bark  ha.s  no  distinctly  corky  layer. 

Endogenous  plants  have  no  central  mass  of  pith  entirely  free  from 
woody  libres,  no  concentric  rings  of  wood,  and  no  separable  bark.     Their 

wood  is  in  bundles  or  fibres  inter- 
mingled with  the  cellular  tissue, 
and  new  bundles  are  continually 
being  formed  in  the  midst  of  the 
old  during  the  j^criod  of  growth. 
Toward  the  external  surface  of 
the  stem  the  wood  becomes  con- 
densed and  hard,  and  serves,  in- 
stead of  bark,  as  a  protective  cov- 
ering to  the  more  tender  parts 
within  (Fig.  25). 

Take,  as  an  illustration  famil- 
iar to  all,  a  stalk  of  Indian  corn, 
and  view  it  in  botli  longitudinal 
and  cross-section.  There  will  ap- 
pear an  abuadance  of  cellular  tissue  (pith),  but  with  numerous  strong 
woody  fibres  interspersed ;  and  though  it  appears  to  be  covered  with  bark, 
this  cannot  be  sei^aratcd  as  in  the  case  of  an  exogenous  plant,  since  it  is 
only  condensed  woody  tissue  and  shades  oft'  gradually  into  the  less  com- 
pact structure  within. 

Endogenous  plants  very  commonly  have  simple  stems,  though  branch- 
ing ones  are  not  unusual.  In  teiiiperate  regions  thej*  are  chiefly  small 
plants — the  grasses,  sedges,  and  cat-tails  are  familiar  examples — but  from 
their  immense  number  form  a  very  imjDortant  part  of  the  vegetation.  In 
the  tropics  many  of  them,  chiefly  palms,  attain  the  stature  of  tall  trees. 


Fig.  2.J, — Cross-se.Uuu  of  tho  stem  of  a  palm.  Tho 
outer  circle  is  conilcnsud  wrjody  tissue;  within,  tho 
dots  represent  bundles  of  woody  tissue  inibeilded  in  jtith. 


FUNCTIONS  OF  THE  STEM  AND   BRANCHES. 


The  most  important  function  of  the  stem  and  branches  is  to  serve  as  a 
means  of  comnumicatiou  between  the  roots,  leaves,  and  reproductive  or- 
gans, for  to  this  one  function  all  others  are  subsidiary. 

We  may  safely  assume  that  a  plant's  whole  energies  are  bent  towai'd  the 
reproduction  of  its  species.  When  this  is  accomplished  the  annual  and 
the  biennial  die  ;  the  perennial  goes  a  step  farther  and  prepares  for  a 
repetition  of  the  process  the  next  year,  and  then  it  ceases  labor  for  the 
season. 

The  stem  and  branches,  then,  supply  the  channels  by  which  the  nour- 
islunent  collected  by  the  roots  is  transmitted  to  the  leaves  for  elaboration 


BUDS    AND    LEAVES.  17 

W    and  to  tlie  reproductive  organs  for  their  needs,  receiving  back  merely 
what  is  required  for  their  sustenance  and  growth. 

BUDS  AND   LEAVES. 

We  have  nh-eady  seen  how  the  stem  and  branches  elongate  by  the  un- 
folding of  the  Inul,  the  expansion  of  leaves,  and  the  lengthening  of  the 
spaces  between  the  latter,  and  have  noted  that  the  bud  exists  in  the  em- 
bryo. From  this  time  forward  it  always  is  the  growing  point  of  the  plant. 
Examined  in  vevtical  section,  it  is  shown  to  be  a  eolleciion  of  embry- 
onic leaves,  diminishing  in  size  from  without  inward.  In  the  growing 
season  the  bud  is  green  like  the  exjianded  leaves,  though  of  a  more  tender 
shade,  but  as  the  end  of  the  season  approaches  the  outer  leallets  undergo 
more  or  less  change,  including  both  color  and  texture,  and  are  not  unfre- 
qnently  coated  with  resinous  or  gummy  matters  to  protect  them  against 
^1  cold  and  moisture  during  the  jieriod  of  the  plant's  rest.  Such  altei'ed 
leallets  are  termed  scales. 

We  have  already  seen  how  leaves  ai'e  produced.    We  will  now  consider 
their  structure,  varied  forms,  and  functions. 
%         Leaves,  like  stems,  consist  of  woody  and  cellular  tissue,  the  former  col- 
lected in  bundles  or  fibi'es  which  form  a  skeleton  whose  interstices  are 
filled  up  with  the  latter. 

Upon  the  form  of  the  skeleton,  of  course,  dejiends  the  shape  and  gen- 
rS  eral  character  of  the  leaf. 

'f  The  larger  and  more  iirominent  fibres  of  the  skeleton  are  termed 
veins,  the  smaller  ones  veinlets.  In  leaves  having  a  large  central  vein, 
with  less  jirominent  lateral  branches,  the  central  one  is  termed  the  mid" 
vein  or  mid-rib.  Indeed,  in  botanical  descriptions  the  prominent  fibres 
of  the  leaf  skeleton  are  spoken  of  as  veins,  ribs,  or  nerves  indiscrimi- 
nately, as  for  example,  a  leaf  is  feather-veined,  slronglij  ribbed,  or  triiile- 
.  nerved.  Little  confusion,  however,  need  arise  from  this  misuse  of  terms  if 
)  the  student  but  remember  that  though  these  fibres  bear  some  analogy  to 
veins  and  ril)s,  they  bear  none  whatever  to  nerves. 

A  leaf  may  commonly  be  distinguished  into  two  parts  :  an  expanded 
portion,  termed  the  lamina  or  blade,  and  a  stalk  by  which  this  is  at- 
tached to  the  stem,  termed  the  petiole  or  footstalk.  In  case  there  be 
no  petiole,  the  blade  being  attached  directly  to  the  stem,  the  leaf  is  said 
to  be  sessile. 

Through  the  petiole,  if  there  be  one,  or,  in  its  absence,  directly  into 
the  base  of  the  blade,  pass  the  woody  fibres  whose  ramifications  make  up 
the  leaf-skeleton.  The  manner  in  which  the  veins  ramify  is  termed  the 
venation  of  the  leaf. 

In  endogenous  plants  these  fibres  commonly  divide  at  or  near  the  base 
of  the  blade  into  a  number  of  nearly  equal  branches,  which  pursue  a  paral- 


18 


ELEMENTS   OF    BOTANY. 


lei  or  slightly  divorgont  course  toward  the  margin  or  apex  (Fig.  15).  Such 
leaves  are  teriued  parallei'veined  ;  and  here  is  found  cue  of  the  disthic- 
tious  between  endogenous  and  exogenous  plants. 

In  exogenous  plants  the  venation  is  extremely  varied  and  gives  rise  to 
many  different  forms.     In  oufl  particuhir,  however,  there  is  uniformity  : 


FlO.  26.— Slrtipln,  pinnately  voincrt  loaf  of  chestnut.    Margin  Rcrrnto. 

the  ultimate  ramifications  of  the  veins  produce  a  net-work  ;  hence  such 
leaves  are  termed  net-veined,  and  are  thereby  distinguished  from  the 
parallel-veined  leaves  of  endogenous  plants. 

One  of  the  commonest  forms  of  exogenous  leaves  is  that  in  which  the 
mid-^-ein  pursues  a  direct  coarse  from  the  base  to  the  apex,  giving  off,  at 
regi:lar  intervals,  lateral  branches  which  extend  parallel  with  each  other 
to  the  margin.  Such  leaves  are  denominated  pinnately  or  feather- 
veined.  The  leaves  of  the  beech  and  chestnut  (Fig.  2G)  are  familiar  ex- 
amples of  this  form. 


Via.  27.— Simple,  palmatcly  veined  leaf  of  castor-oil  plant  {Bicinus  comviunis). 

Another  common  form  of  net-veined  leaves  is  that  in  which  there  is  no 
stron  ^ly  marked  mid-vein,  but  instead  a  number  of  large  veins  pursue  a 
diverj^ent  course  from  the  base  to  the  margin  of  the  leaf.  There  may  be 
thrc  ;,  four,  seven,  or  nine  of  these  veins,  diverging  like  the  fi-ngers  of  an 


BUDS    AND   LEAVES. 


19 


outstretcliod  hand  or  the  toes  of  a  l)ir  1  ;  hence  such  leaves  are  said  to  bo 
palmately,  digitately,  or  pedately  veined.  Thv  leaves  of  the  maplo, 
Kjcanioro,  and  Ci.stoi-oil  plant  (Fij,'.  27)  will  nerve  as  illustrations. 

Between  these  two  widely  dillerent  forms  of  venation  in  exogenous 
plants  are  other  connecting  ones,  as  when  a  leaf  has  both  a  mid-vein  with 
more  or  less  strongly  marked  lateral  branches  and  largo  diverging,  palmate 
])ranches  also. 

Again,  upon  the  venation  of  loaves  depends,  to  a  very  great  extent,  thoir 
lOarginal  sliai)e.  In  parallel-vcincd  leaves  the  niargui  is  commonly  entire 
— that  is,  not  notched  or  indented ;  the  common  grasses,  cat-tails,  and 
iris  are  familiar  examples.     In  verj'  many  feather-veined  leaves  the  mai-gin 


I 


FlO.  28.— Marftinal  sliajjes  of  leaves.     Beginning  at  the  right,  tlic  first  is  sorrtito,  Bccond  dcntnte,  third  be- 
tween dentate  nnd  crenatc,  fourth  cronate,  fifth  sinuate-toothed,  sixth  sinuate. '  Traced  from  nature, 

is  also  entire,  as  for  example  the  magnolias,  laurel,  and  flowering  dogwood, 
but  more  commonly  they  are  variously  notched  or  indented.  Leaf  mar- 
gins so  indented  are  characterized  in  botanical  descriptions  by  technical 
terms  which  ai'o,  for  the  most  part,  self-explanatory ;  as  for  example  (Fig. 
28),  serrate,  saw-toothed  ;  dentate,  toothed,  but  with  teeth  less  regular 
than  the  preceding,  and  not  pointing  forward  like  them  ;  crenate,  scal- 
loped ;  repand,  undulate,  or  wavy,  when  the  margin  makes  a  wavy 
line;  sinuate,  more  strongly  wavy  or  sinuous;  incised,  cut,  jagged, 
etc.  Again,  when  the  margin  is  deeply  cut  into  a  definite  number  of  di- 
visions, the  leaf  is  said  to  be  lobed,  as  throe-Iohed,  fice-luhcd,  or  sseven-lobed. 
When  cut  more  deeply  than  half  way  to  the  centre  or  base,  the  leaf  is  said 
to  be  cleft,  and  hence  the  terms  ihree-clcft,  Jive-deft,  or  trifld,  qui7iquefid. 


20  ELEMENTS   OF    BOTANY. 

etc,  Wlion  flic  inoisionH  arc  carriod  Htill  dcopor,  tlio  frrm  parted  is  UHcd  ; 
ami  when  tlioy  cxteml  to  the  mid- vein  or  biiHc  of  the  bliulo,  tho  leaf  is  naid 
to  be  divided. 

In  general  outline  leaves  present  a  miiltiiilicity  of  forms,  Avhich  are, 
however,  siitlicicntly  characterized  in  non-technical  language.  Such  terms 
as  linear,  hino'olnle,  oblon(j,  elliplical,  oval,  ovoid,  and  orbicular  are  often 
employed,  and  recpiire  no  exi)liination.  Ohlanci'olalc  signifies  a  grnerid 
lance-shape,  but  somewhat  widened  toward  the  apex,  like  a  lance  Avith  its 
point  turned  downward  ;  obomte,  an  ovate  form  also  with  its  wider  por- 
tion toward  tho  apex  ;  spafidntc,  like  a  spatula  ;  cnnecUc,  wedge-shaped,  ta- 
liering  from  above  downward. 

Then,  too,  the  base  and  apex  present  a  variety  of  forms.  The  base 
may  be  eordalr,  or  heart-shaped,  reni/orm  or  kidney-shaped,  aiiriciihif 
or  eared,  i<(i(jil/ul<!  or  arrow-shaped,  hmlale  or  halberd-shai^ed,  jfjcZ/w/tf  or 
shield-shaped. 

The  ajiex  may  be  acuminate  or  taper-pointed  ;  acute  when  ending  with 
an  uouu!  angle  and  not  tapering  ;  obtuse,  blunt ;  truncate,  appearing  as  if 
cut  off;  rctuse,  slightly  notched  at  the  extremity  ;  rmarginate,  more  deeply 
notched  or  indented  ;  olwordate,  inversely  heart-shaped  ;  cuxpidate,  armed 
with  a  small  cusp  or  tooth  ;  m  ucrovatc,  armed  with  a  very  small  sharp 
point ;  or  aridate,  with  a  bi  istle-like  point. 

Thus  far  we  have  considered  the  leaf  in  its  simplest  form — that  is,  when 
consisting  of  a  single  blade,  however  deeply  it  may  be  cut  or  divided. 
All  such  leaves  are  termed  simple  (Fig.  29),  in  contradistinction  witli 
compound  leaves  (Fig.  30),  which  are  made  \\\)  of  two  or  more,  often 
manj'  bLides,  supi)orted  by  a  common  petiole.  Yet  this  distinction  of 
leaves  iiito  simple  and  compound  is,  to  some  extent,  arbitrary,  for  in  leaves 
which  are  jmrted — that  is,  divided  to  the  base  or  mid-vein — the  lobes  be- 
(!ome  as  essentially  separate  blades  as  if  they  were  supported  upon  sepa- 
rate petioles  :  still,  such  leaves  are  commonly  considei-ed  simple.  Some 
writers  simplify  the  matter  by  drawing  the  line  at  a.  aculation  with  tlie 
petiole,  considering  those  only  compound  which  ai*e  so  articulated  and  all 
others  simple.  ]>y  articulation  is  meant  the  joint  at  which  the  leaf  sepa- 
rates when  it  falls  from  the  stem.  But  even  this  division  is  not  com- 
pletely satisfactory,  for  there  are  leaves — for  example,  tho  lemon — con- 
sisting of  a  single  entire  blade  which  is  articulated  with  its  petiole,  and 
hence  would  under  this  definition  have  to  be  considered  a  compound  leaf. 

A  compound  leaf,  then,  is  made  up  of  two  or  more  blades,  termed  leaf- 
lets (Fig.  30),  borne  upon  a  common  petiole,  with  which  they  may  or  may 
not  be  articulated. 

Compound  leaves  are  of  two  principal  forms,  the  pinnate,  in  which 
the  leaflets  are  arranged  like  the  pinnate  veins  of  a  simple  feather-veined 
leaf,  and  the  palmate,  in  which  tliey  are  arranged  palmately. 

Pinnately  compoimd  leaves  are    equally   pinnate  when  they  have 


BUDS    AND    LEAVES. 


21 


their  leaflets  in  pairs;  unequally  pinnate  (Fig.   30)  when  they  havo 
tlicin  in  pairs  sunnountod  by  an  odd  tcnuinal  one. 

Hut  often  the  division  of  pinnately  conipound  leaves  is  carried  still 
farther,  and  the  phu-e  of  tlie  leaflet  is  taken  by  another  i)etiolo  bearing' 
leaflets  ;  the  leaf  is  then  termed  bi-plnnate  (Fig.  lU)  ;  a  step  farther  still, 
and  it  becomes  tri- pinnate.  In  these  cases  the  primary  divisions  are 
termed  pinnae,  the  secondary  pinnules,  though  the  bladea  are  always 
called  leallets. 


Fig.  29.— Simple  leaf  of  bass-wood. 


Flo.  .'JO. — ComponnJ  leaf  of  locnst  {RoMnta 
PHettdamia).  Uneciimlly  pinnate,  the  separate 
blades  (leiyleCs)  beiiia  in  pairs,  with  anoild  terminal 
one. 


Palmately  compound  leaves  are  also  frequently  divided  and  subdivided 
in  like  manner,  and  may  become  bi"  or  tri-palmate,  ternate,  etc. 
Wlien  the  subdivision  is  carried  to  an  extreme  point  the  leaf  is  termed 
decompound. 

The  same  terms  are  used  in  the  characterization  of  the  general  oiitline 
of  compound  leaves  and  their  leaflets  and  the  marginal  features  of  the  lat- 
ter as  are  applied  to  simple  leaves. 


22 


i^LKMENTS    OF   BOTANY. 


Bosidos  fiimplo  and  conipouiid  leaves,  there  arc  other  abnormal  forniH, 
Huch  HH  tendrils,  spines,  and  pitchers,  to  which  wo  cun  barely  alliuh. 
Tendrils  (Fi<^'.  '>V2)  and  Hpiiiea  arc  but  reduced   IcavcH,  while  pitchcrH  an 
leaves  which  have  underjj[()ne  ehan<^eH  of  structure;  to  tit  them  for  Hpecial 
purposes,  ua  for  exuniijle,  the  eutrappiug  of  inisects. 


Fio.  81.— A  bi-plnnate'.y  compound  leaf. 


Fio.  82.— Compound  leaf  of  pea,  with  the  tcmiinnl 
leaflotH  chantifud  to  toiulrlls.  The  expanded  leafletfi  at  the 
bux(!  nro  foliaccouH  stipu.^tH. 


As  remarked  above,  a  leaf  may  or  may  not  have  a  distinct  petiole.  In 
the  latter  (!ase  the  base  of  the  blade  is  attached  directly  to  the  stem,  with 
or  without  an  articulation.  In  all  deciduous  plants — that  is,  those  whose 
leaves  fall  away  at  the  end  of  the  growing  season — the  articulation  is  pres- 
ent whether  there  be  a  petiole  or  not.  In  endogono  is  plants  the  articu- 
lation is  absent,  the  leaves,  at  the  end  of  the  growin-^  season,  dying  away 
gradually. 

Li  some  cases  where  the  jjetiole  is  absent,  the  base  of  the  leaf  encircles 
or  clasps  the  stem.     Occasionally  the  leaf  appears  as  though  perforated  by 


MUDS   AND    LEAVES. 


2n 


Ihp  stem  ;  it  \h  then  dcnominfttod  perfoliate.  In  other  cases  ft  pair  of 
loaves  have  thfir  busub  united  about  the  stum  ;  such  leaves  uro  termed 
connate. 


Fio.  ;U,— Lcnf  of  tnliptree  with  dccIJuous 

hli|illll«. 


Fio.  ni. — Loiif  ot  i^.-<o  wiUi  |)orir.uui!iit  foll- 
at'couB  Rtipulos. 


The  petiole  is  often  furnished  at  its  base  with  a  p.iir  of  f(»liaceous  or 
membranous  appeurhijjfes,  termed  stipules.  Very  often  these  servo  as 
bud-scales  and  fall  away  after  the  leaf  expands  (Fig.  33)  ;  sometimes,  how- 


frTTnnnnnnrnPr=Tit 

_  _       _  _      .p-  iTy  1^.  j — ' ^ 


QDCT 


iipii 


Fio.  SB. — Vertical  Bection  through  a  bronth- 
liiR-piiro  of  ,1  loaf,  Rhowiun  the  arrangemont  of 
thu  epidermal  cells.    MngnifleJ. 


FiQ.  an. — Vertical  section  of  a  leaf,  showing  cells 
of  epidermis  imd  parenchyma,  and  intercellular 
spaces.    Magnified. 


ever,  they  form  a  conspicuous  j^ai't  of  the  leaf  and  remain  until  it  falls 
(Figs.  32  and  34). 


24  ELEMENTS    OF    UOTANY. 

We  have  already  seen  thah  leaves  arc  eonipoHed  of  cellular  and  woody 
tifisi:..,  and  have  considered  the  latter  in  its  raniilications  whi(;h  make  up 
the  leaf-skeleton.     We  will  now  briefly  examine  the  cellular  tissue. 

Unlike  the  cellular  tissue  of  the  stem, 
this  is  a  gretiii  pulp  closely  reseniLling  the 
greou  layer  of  the  Lark.  It  is  made  u\i  of 
cells  somt^Lat  loosely  arranged,  with  oi)en 
spaces  or  air-passages  between  them  (Fig. 
35).  These  cells  ovvo  their  green  color  to 
minute  grains  of  a  peculiar  green  coloring 
matter,  termed  chlorophyll,  which  they 
contain.  Externally  th(>  entin;  leaf  is  covered 
with  a  thin,  transparent  membrane,  termed 
V^"^'^''"^—  epidc  mis  (Fig.  3G) ;  this  is  perforated 
Pig.  .-jr-Riirf.ioo  of  a  loaf,  (.howhiK  Kt,.    y^^.{^]^  numerous  openings,  termed  stomata 

nmta  (bi-iiilliinfri.i>rL's).     Magnitiud.  i        •       , 

(iMg  .W),  winch  iK'rmit  the  external  an-  to 
have  free  access  to  the  interccUuhu"  air-passages.  The  stomata  arc  nuich 
more  numerous  on  the  under  than  the  upper  side  of  the  leaf,  and  here 
also  the  air-passages  ax'e  most  abundant. 

FUNCTIONS  OF  THE   LEAVES. 

Leaves  have  often  been  compared  with  the  lungs  of  animals,  since  it  is 
their  office  to  aerate  the  vital  fluids  of  plants.  The  nourishment  collected 
by  the  roots  is  transmitted  through  the  stem  to  the  leaves,  and  here,  ex- 
posed to  contact  with  the  «'L',  it  becomes  elaborated  and  fitted  for  the 
plant's  further  use.  Through  the  multitude  of  stomata,  or  breathing-pores, 
the  air  has  free  access  to  the  interior  of  the  leaf,  where  the  cells  take  from 
it  carbonic  acid  and  yield  up  their  superfluous  moisture,  or  absorb  oxygen 
and  water  as  may  be  required.  Li  sunlight  leaves  absorb  carbonic  acid 
and  give  out  oxygen  ;  in  darkness  the  process  is  reversed  and  carbonic 
acid  is  exhaled.  But  as  plants  are  much  more  active  in  daylight  than  in 
darkness,  the  amount  of  carbonic  acid  taken  from  the  atmosphcx  is  many 
times  groater  than  that  which  is  exhaled  ;  and  as  nearly  all  the  carl)onic 
acid  absorbed  is  decomposed,  the  carbon  alone  being  retained  while  the 
o\ygen  is  returned  to  the  air,  it  at  once  becomes  evident  that  plants  are 
continually  purifying  the  air  which  animals  breathe.  Animals,  on  the  other 
hand,  are  as  constantly  renewing  the  supply  of  carbonic  acid  in  the  air, 
and  thus  better  fitting  it  for  the  sustenance  of  plants,  so  that  there  is  an 
intimate  interdejiendence  of  veget!d)ic  and  aniuial  life.  Both  probably 
liad  their  advent  u]ion  earth  at  the  same  time,  and  progr(>ssed  upward 
from  the  lowest  to  the  highest  forms,  side  by  side,  with  equal  stei)a. 

So  far  the  leaves  anj  analogoiis  to  the  lUngs  of  animals,  but  their  func- 
tions do  not  cease  with  the  mere  absorption  of  cai'bonic  acid  and  '.he  ex- 


THE    FLOWER.  25 

halation  of  oxygen.  In  tlieir  green  cells— and  in  other  green  parts  of 
plants — are  carried  on  the  functions  of  digestion  and  assimilation  and  the 
manufacture  of  the  nnillitude  of  principles  Avhicli  give  to  plants  their 
peculiar  properties.  Wherever  these  principles  may  be  stoi'ed  up,  whether 
in  the  roots,  the  sten),  the  bark,  the  fruit,  or  in  the  leaves  themselves, 
they  ai'e  the  product  of  the  green  cells,  which  attain  tlieir  greatest  develop- 
ment in  the  expanded  leaves. 

THE  FLOWER. 

Having  studied  the  organs  hy  which  plants  develop  and  exist  as  individ- 
uals, we  have  next  to  considfU' those  engaged  in  the  process  of  reproduction. 

At  a.'  established  period  in  <!very  llowering  plant's  life,  the  terminal  or 
axillary  buds  cease  to  produce  leaves,  their  leaflets  undergoing  a  transfor- 
mation by  which  they  become  reproductive  orgais.  A  bud  in  this  trans- 
formed condition  is  termed  a  flower-bud,  and  when  fully  expanded  be- 
comes a  flower. 

We  have  iih-eady  seen  that  leiif-l)u<ls  are  )iot  scattered  hap-liazard  along 
the  stem,  but  are  arrangfid  in  a  iix.ed,  determinate  manner ;  now,  as  Jlower- 
buds  are  but  transformed  leaf-buds,  we  ai'e  prepared  to  find  them  also  oc- 
cupying fixed  positions.  This  arrangement  of  flowers  is  termed  inflo- 
rescence, and  demands  a  brief  examination  before  jiroceeding  to  the 
consideration  of  the  structure  oi  the  flower. 

In  some  plants  only  the  buds  terminating  the  main  stem  and  branches 
are  transformed  into  flowers ;  in  others,  only  the  axillary  ;  in  others  still, 
but  much  more  rarely,  the  flowers  are  both  axillary  and  terminal. 

When  the  flowers  are  all  terminal  the  infloresct  ace  is  termed  deter ■ 
mir^ate;  wlien  they  are  all  axillary  it  is  termed  Indeterminate,  because 
so  long  as  the  terminal  bud  continues  to  produce  leaves  with  buds  in  their 
axils,  flowers  follow  as  a  matter  of  course,  and  their  nuniljer  is  indefinite. 

The  organs  of  inflorescence  ai'o  bracts,  peduncle,  pedicel,  and 
receptacle. 

B  racts  are  altered  leaves  from  the  axils  of  which  the  floral  axes  spring  ; 
they  may  be  foliaceous,  membranous,  scarious,  or  petaloid  (colored).  Sec- 
ondary bracts — that  is,  those  at  the  base  of  secondary  divisions  of  a  floral 
axis — are  termed  bractlets. 

A  peduncle  is  a  branch  directly  terminated  by  a  flower  ;  and  its  ex- 
tremity, ixsually  more  or  less  enlarged,  upon  which  the  floral  organs  projier 
are  seated,  is  the  receptacle. 

A  pedicel  is  a  secondary  pednncle,  or  in  other  words,  the  stalk  npon 
which  an  individual  flower  of  a  branching  inflorescence  is  situated. 

Indeterminate  inflorescence  presents  five  well-marked  forms, 
termed  the  raceme,  corymb,  umbel,  spike,  and  head,  each  of  which 
is  subject  to  various  modifications. 


26 


ELEMENTS    OF    BOTANY. 


A  raceme  is  an  inflorescence  in  which  nearly  equal  secondary  axes 
rise  along  the  primary  one  ;  it  is  simple  when  the  secondary  axes  tenni- 
uate  in  a  single  liower  (Fig.  38) ;  compound  when  they  branch  before 


Fig.  38. — Simiile  nicemo  of  the  red  currant. 


Fig.  39. — Corymb  of  a  cherry. 


flowering.  A  con^Moiiud  raceme  is  tenned  a  panicle.  A  panicle  of  an 
ovoid  shape,  havi  ig  the  central  pedicels  longer  than  the  outei",  is  called  a 
thyrse. 


Fig.  40. — A  compound  corymb. 


A  corymb  resembles  a  raceme,  but  has  its  lower  pedicels  longer  than 
the  upper  ones,  thus  bringuig  the  flowers  upon  a  level  with  each  other.  It 
may  be  simple  (Fig.  39)  or  compoimd  (Fig.  40). 

An  umbel  has  its  secondary  axes  diverging  from  the  same  point,  like 


':V, 


THE    FLOWER. 


27 


FiQ.  41. — A  simple  umbel. 


^\ 


li\ 


m 


FiQ.  42.— A  compound  umbel. 


Fio.  43.— A  Rlmplc       Fio.  44. — A  eompound 
tpiko.  gpike. 


2o 


ELEMENTS    OF   BOTANY. 


the  ribs  of  an  umbrellfi.  It  is  simple  wlien  the  secondary  axes  bear 
flowers  (Fig.  41) ;  compound  when  tbe;y  divide  before  flowering  (Fig.  42). 
Jn  the  latter  case  the  ultimate  clusters  of  flowers  are  termed  umbel  lets, 
or  partial  umbels. 

In  compound  umbels  the  bracts  at  the  base  constitute  the  involucre, 
and  those  at  the  base  of  the  umbellets  the  involucel,  or  partial  in* 
volucre. 


FiQ.  45.— A  panicle. 

A  spike  is  an  inflorescence  in  which  the  flowers  are  sessile  on  the 
primary  axis  (Fig.  43).  It  is  compound  when  secondary  axes  rise  from  the 
primary  one  and  bear  sessile  flowers  (Fig.  44).  In  many  cases  these  pedi- 
cels are  long  and  form  panicles  (Fig.  45). 

Catkins  (Figs-  4(5  and  47)  and  cones  are  forms  of  spikes  in  which 
the  flowers  ai'e  incomplete,  as  will  appear  later. 

A.  head    is  an  inflorescence  in  which  the  primary  axis  is  depressed 


THE   FLOWER. 


29 


vertically,  being  at  the  same  time  hroaflened,  and  having  the  flowers  more 
or  less  thickly  crowded  together  upon  a  common  receptacle,  which,  in  fact, 
tl;?  depressed  jiiimaiy  axis  becomes.  Here  the  'juter  bracts,  commonly 
numerous,  constitute  the  involucre,  and  the  inner  ones — that  is,  those 
ubout  the  individual  flowers— are  reduced  to  chaffy  scales  or  bristles. 


Fio.  10. — St-xinin.iti;  catkin  of  willow. 


FlQ.  47.— Pistillate  catkin  of  willow. 


In  all  these  forms  of  inflorescence  the  lower  or  outer  flowers  expand 
first,  and  the  upper  or  inner  last.  There  is,  therefore,  a  movement  from 
the  circumference  toward  the  centre,  and  hence  the  inflorescence  is 
termed  centripetal. 


Fig.  40.— Vertical  scotlon  of  same. 


I'"io.  4S.— Ahead  (compound  flower). 


Determinate  inflorescence  is  much  simpler  and  presents  fewer 
different  fomis.    It  comprises  the  cyme,  fascicle,  and  glomerule. 

A  cyme  is  commonly  a  flat-topped  flower-clustei',  like  a  corymb,  only 
it  is  produced  in  a  different  manner  (Fig.  50).  It  presents  several  different 
forms. 


30 


ELEMENTS    OF   BOTANY. 


The  primary  axis  may  terminate  in  n  single  flower,  from  whose  axils 
two  secondary  axes  proceed,  each  terminating  in  a  flower,  with  other 
tertiary  axes,  and  so  on.     This  is  a  dichotomous  (forked)  cyme. 

Again,  the  primary  axis  terminating  in  a  flower,  subtended  by  a  single 
bract,  from  its  axil  proceeds  a  secondary  axis  terminating  in  like  manner ; 
from  its  axil  a  tertiary,  and  so  on.  In  this  manner  is  produced  the 
scorpoid  cyme  or  raceme,  which  seems  to  unroll  as  flowering  pro- 
ceeds (Fig.  51). 


Fin.  50.— A  cyme. 


Fio.  51.— A  Boorpokl  cyme  or  raceme. 


In  other  cases  still  the  cyme  assumes  a  spicate  or  umbellate  form. 

Both  the  fascicle  and  glomerule  are  of  a  cymose  character.  In  the 
former  the  axes  are  somewhat  lengthened  and  are  regularly  distributed  ; 
in  the  latter  they  are  almost  suppressed  and  very  irregular. 

In  determinate  inflorescence  the  central  flower  always  expands  first,  and 
tlie  outer  or  lower  flowers  follow  in  regular  succession,  so  that  there  is  a 
movement  from  the  centre  toward  the  circumference  ;  hence  this  form  of 
inflorescence  is  termed  centrifugal. 


THE   FLOWER. 


31 


Mixed  inflorescence  is  that  in  which  both  the  clcterrainate  and 
inflctorniiuate  appear.  In  labiate  plants  the  general  intiorcs(!ence  is  inde- 
terminate, while  the  separate  heads  are  axillary  cymes  or  fascicles. 

There  are  other  aHogether  irregular  forms  of  inflorescence,  which, 
however,  do  not  require  our  attention. 

The  floral  organs  comprise  those  which  are  essential  to  reproduction, 
namely,  stamens  and  pistils,  and  those  which  enveloi>  the  essential 
organs,  namel}',  calyx  and  corolla.  All  these  organs  are  enfolded  in  the 
hud,  each  kind  in  a  sepai'ate  whorl  or  circle  by  itself. 

The  calyx  is  the  external  envelope  of  the  flower.  It  is  commonly 
gi'een,  like  the  leaves,  though  occasionally  colored  {petaloid),  and  is  com- 
posed of  from  two  to  six  or  more  leaflets,  termed  sepals,  each  separate 
and  distinct  or  all  more  or  less  united. 


Fio.  52. — A  polyscpnlous  calyx. 


Fio.  53. — A  mono-  or  gamo- 
sepaloug  ciilyx. 


Fio.  54. — IrreRiilnr  (pptnloid) 
calyx  of  aconite. 


When  the  sepals  are  distinct  the  calyx  is  termed  polysepalous  (Fig. 
52)  ;  when  they  arc  united  it  is  termed  mono-  or  gamosepalous  (Fig. 
53).  The  monosepalous  calyx  is  commonly  more  or  less  cut  or  divided 
from  the  mai'gin  downward  ;  in  such  cases  the  undivided  portion  is  termed 
the  tube,  the  free  border  the  limb,  and  the  point  where  these  meet  the 
throat.  The  separate  portions  of  the  limb  are  often  spoken  of  as  lobes, 
or  teeth.  It  should  be  borne  in  mind,  however,  that  in  the  earl}'  stage  of 
the  development  of  the  calyx  the  sepals  are  always  distinct  ;  hence  a 
gamosepalous  calyx  is  one  in  which  the  sepals  have  grown  together,  in 
whole  or  in  part,  its  teeth  or  lobes  alone  remaining  to  show  the  number  of 
the  original  sepals. 

The  calyx  is  regular  when  its  sepals  are  all  alike  (Figs.  52  and  53)  ; 
irregular  when  some  of  them  are  different  in  form  from  the  others  (Fig. 
54).  It  is  deciduous  when  it  falls  away  after  the  fertilization  of  the 
flower  ;  caducous  when  it  falls  as  the  flower  expands  ;  persistent  when 
it  remains  until  the  fruit  matures. 

Tlie  corolla  is  the  inner  floral  envelope.  It  is  commonly  colored, 
and  in  this  respect  is  in  strong  contrast  with  the  calyx.  Its  separate 
leaflets  are  termed  petals,  and,  like  the  sepals,  they  may  be  more  or  less 


32 


ELEMENTS   OP   BOTANY. 


nnmeroxis,  and  ench  separfitc  and  distinct,  or  all  may  bo  who'ly  or  partly 
united. 

When  the  petals  arc  distinct  the  corolla  is  termed  polypetalous 
(Fifif.  55);  when  they  ai'o  united  it  is  termed  mono"  or  gamopetalous 
(Fig.  5(!).  In  the  gamopetalous  corolla  there  is  the  same  distinction  of 
tube,  throat,  limb,  and  lobes  as  in  the  gamoscpalous  calyx,  and  it  is  de- 
veloped ill  the  same  manner — by  the  fusion  of  originally  distinct  leaflets. 
It  may  likewise  be  regular  (Figs.  55  and  5())  or  irregular  (Figs.  57  and  58), 
and  though  commonly  deciduous,  it  is  sometimes  withering-persistent 
— that  is,  withering  but  not  falling  away  f'-om  the  maturing  fniit.  In 
short,  the  corolla  is  very  like  the  calyx,  save  that  it  is  much  more  delicate 
in  structure,  more  beautiful  in  foi'm,  and  often  most  exquisitely  colored. 


Pio.  B5. — Polypetalous  corollii  of  a  wild  rose. 


Fio.  50.— Mnnopotnlous 
corolln  and  mouo.sopalous 
calyx  of  tobacco. 


Fio.  57. — Irrogiilnr  co- 
rolla of  aconite. 


It  is  not  unfrequently  absent  ;  then  the  flower  is  called  apetalous.  In 
this  case  the  calyx  is  often  colored  like  a  corolla,  and  therefore  well  sup- 
plies its  place.  But  in  many  plants  both  calyx  and  corolla  are  wanting  ; 
then  the  dowers  are  termed  naked. 

Tlie  essential  floral  organs,  as  remarked  above,  are  the  stamens  and  pis- 
tils. The  stamens  are  variable  in  number,  and  commonly  form  a  circle 
within  the  corolla  if  this  be  present,  or  in  its  absence  within  the  calyx. 
Iiiey  are  the  fertilizing  organs,  or,  according  to  the  former  ideas  of  the 
sexuality  of  plants,  they  supply  the  male  element  in  the  process  of  repro- 
duction. 

A  stamen  consists  of  two  parts,  an  anther  and  a  stalk  or  filament 
iipon  which  this  is  supported  (Fig.  59).  The  anther  is  the  only  essential 
part,  and  this  may  be  and  often  is  sessile.  It  consists  of  two  cells,  di- 
vided from  each  other  vertically  by  a  septum,  each  opening  at  maturity  and 
yielding  a  cellular,  powdery  substance — the  pollen,  which  is  the  fertilizing 


THE   FLO  WE  It. 


33 


clomont.  Antliera  aro  extremely  viiricd  in  form  in  dilTerent  pliiuts,  and  aro 
attached  to  tlioir  tilaincnts  in  a  variety  of  Avays. 

An  auMiev  is  innate  wLien  attached  by  its  base  to  the  apex  of  the 
filament;  adnate  ^vhen  attaclied  by  one  face  to  the  side  of  the  tilament ; 
versatile  wlien  attached  at  its  middle  point  so  as  to  turn  easily  ;  wlien  it 
is  lixed  to  th(i  side  of  the  tihuuent  wliicli  looks  toward  the  pistil  it  is 
introrse  ;  and  when  lixed  to  the  other  side  it  is  extrorse. 

As  intimated  above,  the  tilament  is  of  minor  hnportance.  It  is  varied 
in  size  and  lenj^th,  and  is  not  unfrequently  absent  alto<i;cther. 

The  stamens  may  also  be  each  separate  and  distinct,  or  tliey  may  be 
more  or  less  united.  They  are  monadelphous  when  united  by  their  fila- 
ments into  one  set;  diadelphous  in  two  sots;  polyadelphous  in 
several  sets;  and  syngenesious  when  united  into  one  set  by  their 
anthers,  as  in  the  6'ym/josite  (Figs.  GO  and  Gl).' 


Fig.  58.— Irregular  flower  of  sage.    Enlarged. 


FiC.  69.— Common  forms  of  stamens  anil  anthera. 


The  pistils  are  the  organs  which  are  fertilized  and  boar  the  seeds. 
Their  position  is  in  the  centi'o  of  the  flower  ;  like  the  other  floral  organs, 
their  number  is  variable — there  may  be  one  or  many. 

A  pistil  may  commonly  be  distinguished  into  three  parts,  namely,  the 
ovary,  the  style,  and  tlie  stigma  (Fig.  G2).  Of  these  the  first  and  last 
are  always  present,  but  the  style  may  be  absent,  in  which  case  the  stigma 
is  sessile  upon  the  ovary. 

The  ovary,  as  its  name  indicates,  is  the  organ  which  contains  the 
ovules  or  rudimentary  seeds  ;  the  stigma  is  the  part  upon  which  the  pol- 
len is  deposited  ;  and  the  style  the  intervening  portion. 

The  pistil  exhibits  an  almost  endless  variety  of  forms  ;  hence  it  is  diffi- 
cult to  characterize  it  in  such  general  terms  as  we  are  obliged  to  employ 
in  this  place. 


'  For  further  details  regarding  compound  flowers,  see  CompositcB, 
3 


84 


ELEMENTS   OF   BOTANY. 


Bearing  in  mind,  however,  tlmt  all  the  lloral  or^j^ans  are  but  trans- 
formed Iciith'ts  of  k'at'-buds,  it  in  not  difficult  to  understand  the  Htructure 
of  the  jnstil.  Let  us  take,  for  example,  a  jjea-pod,  which  is  only  a  siniiile 
pistil  that  has  been  fertilized  and  undergone  subsequent  doveloi)ment, 
■without  any  essential  chanpfo  of  form.  Si)Ut  it  open  on  the  side  to  which 
the  seeds  arc  attached  and  Hproa<l  it  out  as  nearly  flat  aspossil)le.  We  ob- 
serve, then,  that  it  has  the  general  form  of  a  leaf  witli  a  stalk  like  a  petiole 
and  a  inid-vein  which  continues  to  the  apex,  while  on  the  margins  are  i:)laced 
the  seeds.  Now  this  pod  is  but  nn  altered  leaflet,  which  was  folded  in- 
ward and  united  at  the  margins,  and  had  developed  along  this  line  of 


Flo.  Cl.— A  ray  florot  <  f  a  head 
(compound  flower). 


;W 


Fio.  62.— A  pistil. 
o  "H  tlio  ovnry,  »///. 
tlic  i-tjle,  atig.  tlio 
stigiim.  The  ovnry 
rests  upon  the  ro- 
ct'ptnclo  (>•),  which 
teniiinateB  llie  po- 
diincio  (p). 

Pio.  f)0.— A  disk  or  tiibulnr  floret  of  a  hend  (compound  flower),  showing  the  ixnthcrs  iinitL>d  into  one  set 
(syngeiu'sions).     Mafrnilieil. 

union  a  number  of  ovides.  At  the  apex  the  stigma  was  placed,  and 
through  this  fertilization  was  effected,  as  will  be  seen  later.  Such  is  the 
general  plan  upon  which  the  simple  pistil  is  constructed  ;  but  as  the 
leaves  of  plants  exhibit  an  endless  variety  of  forms,  so  naturally  would  the 
leaflets  Avhose  transformations  produce  pistils,  and  hence  the  pistils  also. 
Again,  the  pistils  are  very  often  compound — that  is,  made  up  of  from  two  to 
many  simple  ones  growm  together.  Suppose,  for  example,  a  circle  of  five 
leaflets  stand  in  the  centre  of  a  bud,  which  are  to  be  transfonned  into  a 
compound  pistil.  The  margins  of  each  Avould  be  folded  in  and  united,  to 
form  simijle  pistils ;  then  the  sides  of  each,  coalescing  with  those  of  its 


THE    FLOWER. 


35 


neighbors,  would  result  in  n,  compound  five-ccllod  ovary.  Suppose  them 
united  to  each  other  from  bnse  to  npex,  and  one  common  8tiy;niii  miyjht  do 
for  all ;  let  union  talce  place  only  half  way  up,  and  there  would  be  a  com- 
pound ovary,  but  witli  five  Htyles  and  live  stipmas.  The  pistils  of  fetid 
hellebore  (Fig.  03)  are  united  at  the  base  only,  and  are  considered  Hiiuplo 
by  some,  comi)()und  by  others. 

Of  the  pollen  and  ovul(!S  little  need  bo  said  hero,  save  that  they  have  a 
strict  analogy  with  the  fertilizing  element  and  the  ovule  of  animal  repro- 
duction.    Both  exhibit  a  great  variety  of  forms. 


Flo.  (!?.— Pi'.tlls  of  fotid  hellebore 
nil i till  lit  the  base. 


Pio.  (I'l. — -A  lily.    VfiTt*  (if  the  flower  in  threes  (l-merons). 


Having  thus  bi'iefly  considereJ  the  organs  which  compose  the  flower, 
we  will  now  examine  their  numeri'ml  disposition  and  their  arrangement 
upon  the  receptacle. 

In  exogenous  plants  the  parts  of  the  flowers  are  commonlj'  in  ficof  or 
four.%  or  in  multiples  of  those  numbers  ;  and  however  much  they  may 
differ  in  this  respect,  the^'  are  never  completely  in  threes.  In  endogenous 
plants,  on  the  contrary,  the  habitual  arrangement  is  in  threes.  This 
should  be  borne  in  mind,  since  it  is  another  prominent  and  characteristic 
mark  of  difference  between  these  two  great  divisions  of  flowering  plants. 

In  HiJcaking  of  a  flower  in  respect  to  the  numerical  arrangement  of  its 
parts,  it  is  said  to  be  3-merous,  4-merous,  or  5-merous  (Figs.  04, 
C5,  and  06). 

But  here,  as  elsewhere  in  plant  life,  there  is  endless  diversity.  A  strictly 
5-merous  flower  should  Imve  five  sepals,  five  petals,  five  stamens,  and  five 
pistils,  or  multiples  of  this  number.  Now,  in  reality  such  a  flower  is  rare. 
It  would  be  much  easier  to  find  one  with  five  sepals,  five  petals,  ten  sta- 


30 


KLKMKNTS    OF    HOT  A  NY. 


xnons,  nr<l  ono  5-rollo(l  ovnry  ;  or  a  4-niov()UH  flower  with  two  sopalH, 
four  potalH,  Hixtcc'ii  to  twouty-four  BtaineiiH,  ami  a  l-cellcd  ovary.  In  fact, 
in  oxopfenouH  2)lants  tbo  numerical  arran-jfenient,  though  commonly  in  Iivch 
or  fours,  proHcnts  almost  innumerablo  exceptions — some,  indeed,  in  whicli 
the  exact  plan  is  scarcely  dis(!ernil)le ;  hut,  he  it  rcniend)ere(l,  it  is  never 
eonipl(4cly  in  threes.  In  (^ndoij^eiKHis  planis,  li()W(^ver,  Ihe  arran<jemejit  by 
threes  is  much  more  uniform  and  the  excej)ti()ns  niU(!h  more  rare. 


Fio.  05. — A  111  WIT  of  tlio  coniinon  lilac — 
4-nicrous. 


Fin.  r(J. — rivo-mcrouB  flower  of  a  geranium. 


Wo  have  seen  that  Iho  ealyx  and  corolla  may  1)C  rej^ular  or  irregular, 
and  that  hoth  stanuiiis  and  pistils  are  subject  to  variations  also.  Another 
form  of  irregularity  recjuires  attention. 

In  many  plants  there  is  an  imperfection  in  the  flowers,  some  of  them 
being  without  stamens,  others  without  pistils.  These  imperfect  flowers 
may  be  npon  the  sanui  plant,  or  upon  difterent  individuals  of  the  same 
species  (Figs.  4G  and  47).     The  common  ailanthus,  so  largely  used  as  a 


PiQ.  67.— riMil  (if  thfiv.  .ith  hypocynouB 
gtnmoiiB.  Tho  ciuollii  and  culyx  (also  hypogy- 
Douh;  romovcd.     Kiilnrgrd. 


Fio.  68.— Superior  ovary  of  tho  poppy. 


shade-tree,  has  flowers  with  stamens  only  (stamwate)  on  one  individual, 
and  those  with  pistils  only  (pistillale)  on  another.  Such  plants  are  termed 
dioecious;  while  those  Avith  both  kinds  upon  the  same  individxial  are 
termed  nioncecious.  Still  others  have  not  only  perfect  flowers — that  is, 
those  with  both  stamens  and  pistils — but  these  imperfect  staminate  and 
pistillate  flowers  also ;  such  plants  are  termed  polygamous. 


THK   rJ.oWEIl. 


a: 


To  sum  up  tlio  irro;?ulai'iticw  ot  flowers  !is  tlioy  actiially  exist,  lot  altiiost 
Miy  one  bt(  coinpiired  with  ii  tvpifiil  flower,  wliit^h  is  perfecti  liiiviiifjf  both 
kiiuls  of  csHcntiiil  orgiiiis ;  complete,  hiiviiij,'  all  liif  soils  of  or.i^uiiH 
>viiieh  any  flower  jjossesscs,  niiiiiily,  calyx,  corolla,  staiiieiis,  and  pistilH  ; 
regular,  all  i)arls  of  each  set  being  alike  ;  symmetrical,  with  the  Hanio 
inuiil)er  of  ])arts  in  each  wet 

Tlie  arrangement  of  the  floral  organs  upon  the  I'eceptaclo  next  demands 
attention. 

^  The  calyx  is  commonly  attached  to  the  lower  border  of  the  receptacle  ; 


.-C^kf^k 


Fio.  (59. — Pi'ri.i.'vniinK  stnmonH  and  petals 
uf  Ihi:  poui^h. 


Flo.  70.— rcTiyyiioUh  itaincns  aiul  pctnl«of  Iho 

wild  IMM'. 


the  corolla  next  above,  its  petals  alternate  witli  or  oi)posito  the  sepals ; 
above  the  corolla  are  the  stamens,  and  above  these  the  pistils.  lu  such  an 
orderly  arrangenient  as  this  the  organs  beneath  the  pistils  arc  said  to  be 
hypogynous,  and  the  pistil,  in  relation  to  them,  is  said  to  be  superior 
(Figs.  G7  and  68).  All  tlio  organs  in  this  case  arc  inserted  on  the  re- 
ceptacle. 

In  other  cases  the  calyx  and  pistil  only  have  direct  relat''  a  with  the 
receptacle,  the  corolla  and  stamens  being  inserted  on  the  former ;  they  are 
then  said  to  be  perigynous  (Figs.  GU  and  70).     Again,  the  calyx  may  be 


FiQ.  71.— Calyx— superior.  Fig.  79.— Calyx— hnlf-Hiiperlor.- 

coherent  with  the  pistil  in  -whole  or  in  part ;  in  these  cases  the  calyx  is 
said  to  be  superior  or  half-superior  (Figs.  71  and  72),  while  the  corolla 
and  stamens  are,  as  before,  perigynous.  In  Cit.->e  the  tube  of  the  calyx 
ends  at  the  summit,  of  the  ovary,  its  lobes  as  well  as  the  petals  and  sta- 
mens appearing  as  if  inserted  on  the  ovary,  they  are  termed  epigynous. 


38 


ELEMENTS    OF   BOTANY. 


FUNCTIONS   OF  THE   FLOWER. 

The  only  function  of  the  flower  which  requires  our  attention  is  the  re- 
production of  thG  species. 

T'le  manner  in  -which  this  is  accomplished  is  sufliciently  simple,  and,  to 
one  acquainted  with  the  phenomena  of  reproduction  in  animals,  readily 
understood. 

As  the  flower  expands  the  anthers  expel  tlieii*  pollen  through  pores  or 


Flo.  73. — An  nnthnr  opon- 
ing  by  i)ores  of  chiuk.i  at 
the  top. 


,  FlQ.  71.— An  nnthor  op'in- 
ing  by  viilves 


Fio.  75.— Anthrr-  rtcnoslt!    r  poHen  directly  on  tho  Btigmo,  through 
which  the  pollen-tubes  are  seen  pauKlng  to  the  ovules. 

valves  openea  for  this  pui-pose  (Figs.  73  and  74).  The  pollen  is  either  shed 
directly  on  the  stigma  or  is  carried  there  by  the  wind  or  by  insects,  and 
once  there  it  is  retained  by  a  glutinous  secretion  of  the  stigma  (Fig.  75). 

Frc^.n  each  pollen-cell  (Fig.  70)  is  then  protruded  a  minute  tube,  the 
poUen-tubc,  which  insinuates  itself  through  the  stigma,  and  coutiuuiug  its 


FUNCTIONS    OF   THE    FLOWEIJ. 


39 


r^rowtli  until  it  reaches  an  ovule,  penetrates  tliis  at  a  minute  pore  j^repared 
for  its  reception,  and  there  de^jOSits  its  conteutH  (Fign.  77  and  78)  ;  I'erti- 
Uzation  is  then  an  accoinplished  fact,  and  the  pollen  and  pollon-tubo  wither 
away  -while  the  ovaiy  and  ovule  continue  their  growth  until  the  fruit  is 
matured. 

Even  the  most  careless  observer  of  plants  must '    -/e  noticed  that  in 


mm-.. 


Fig.  70.— DifTercnt  forms  of  pollen.    MnRiiiflod. 


many  of  our  common  species  the  fruit  often  contains  abortive  or  imperfect 
seeds.  Pea-pods,  for  example,  ai'o  often  seen  with  only  a  single  perfect 
seed  ;  and  ears  of  Indian  corn  with  half  the  kernels  imperfect  are  exceed, 
ingly  common.  In  these  instances  and  in  all  others  of  like  character  the 
ovules,  r(>presented  by  the  imperfect  se(;ds,  have  failed  to  be  reached  by 
the   fertilizing  pollen-tube.     Not  unfrequently,  also,  dicjecious  plants,  of 


Fio.  77. — VertlcBl  Bcction  of  an  ovule  before 
fui'tilizntiim.     M.i^nilieil. 


Flo.  7S. — Vortical  Hec'ioii  of  an  orule  p.fter  fortlH- 
zatiun,  wilh  pollen-lube  in  situ.    MngniHed. 


the  pistillate  kind,  and  hence  naturally  fertile,  bear  flowers  year  after  year 
without  producing  fruit,  much  to  the  bewilderment  of  their  owners.  The 
cause  is  not  far  to  seek.  Such  plants  are  remote  from  individuals  pro- 
ducing staminate  flowers,  and  must  o*  necessity  remain  barren  until  this 
fault  be  remedied. 

Another  point  of  interest  in  this  connection  is   the   production   of 
hybrids,  by  the  crossing  of  related  species  or  varieties. 


40 


ELKAIENTS    OF    BOTANY. 


Every  farmer  knows  tlmt  if  two  varieties  of  com,  say  yellow  and  wbite, 
be  planted  side  by  side,  the  result  will  be  a  great  many  ears  of  speckled 
corn,  those  with  both  white  and  yellow  kernels  interniingled.  Is'ow,  corn 
is  a  monoecious  plant,  the  pollen  being  produced  in  vast  quantities  by  the 
tassels  (stamens),  while  the  silk  of  the  ears  represent  the  exposed  portions 
of  the  pistils.  Naturally  two  varieties  growing  side  by  side  will  have  their 
showers  of  pollen  intermingled  by  the  wind,  and  grains  of  eacli  falling 
upon  the  silk  of  the  same  ear  will  produce  a  mixture  of  ditlerent  colored 
kernels,  for  the  pollen  will  determine  the  chai-acter  of  the  kernel  produced 
by  the  ovule  which  it  fertilizes. 

Again,  the  pumpkin  and  squash  are  closely  related  species,  and  cannot 
be  grown  side  by  side  without  hybridizatit)n.  But,  as  in  the  animal  king- 
dom, the  production  of  hybrids  is  limited  to  closely  related  species  or 
varieties,  and  cannot  be  effected  by  the  crossing  of  in- 
dividuals of  widel3-  different  genera.  Strictly  speaking, 
the  hybrid  is  the  product  of  the  crossing  of  related 
species,  but  in  a  wider  sense  it  may,  without  impro- 
priety, be  applied  in  plant  life  to  the  crossing  of  varie- 
ties, as  in  the  instance  of  corn. 


THE  FRUIT. 

The  frait  is  the  fertilized  and  matui'ed  ovar\^  en- 
closing the  seeds,  capable  of  reproducing  the  plant. 
Not  unfrequently,  also,  it  comprises  the  remaining 
parts  of  the  pistil,  more  or  less  altered,  or  the  enlarged 
and  variously  modified  calyx  and  receptacle. 

Fi'uits  arc  distinguished  as  f^invplc  or  compovvd. 
A  simple  fruit  consists  of  a  single  matured  pistil, 
Avhetlier  this  be  simple  or  compound,  together  with  its 
enclosed  seed  or  seeds,  the  seed-vessel,  termed  peri- 
carp, being  the  matured  ovary,  and  the  seed  the  ferti- 
lized and  matured  ovule. 

Tlie  pericarp  is  distinguished  into  three  layers, 
namely,  epicarp  ((niter  layer),  endocarp  (inner 
layer),  and  mesocarp  (middle  layer).  In  many  fruits 
the  mesocarp  is  very  thick  and  flesh}',  and  is  then 
known  as  the  sarcocarp. 
There  are  three  principal  kinds  of  simple  fruits,  fleshy  fruits,  stone- 
fruits,  and  dry  fruits. 

In  fleshy  fruits  the  whole  pericarp  thickens  and  becomes  soft  in  ripen- 
ing.    Of  this  kind  are  the  berry,  pepo,  and  pome. 

In  the  berry  the  flesh  is  uniformly  soft  throughout,  as  in  the  cur- 


Fio.  79.— Currants— 
berries. 


THE    FltUIT. 


41 


rant  (Fig.  79),  huckleherrv,  tomfifo,  and  gi-ape.  Tlie  strawliprry,  black- 
berry,  ami  raspbeiTv  avo  not,  botanically,  berries,  as  will  api)ear  later. 

Tlie  pepo  is  the  kind  of  fruit  f(^und  in  the  gourtl  family  ;  it  in  com- 
monly hard  without  and  softer  within. 

The  pome  finds  its  type  in  the  apple,  in  which  the  mass  of  tissue  is 
comjiosed  of  the  thickened,  adherent  calyx,  the  thin  pods  containing  the 
seeds  being  the  only  representatives  of  the  pistil. 

The  stone-fruit  is  technically  known  as  a  drupe.  It  comprises  an 
outer  fleshy  portion  enclosing  a  stone  or  putameHi  containing  the  seed 
(Figs.  80  and  81). 

Dry  fruits  are  those  in  which  the  pericarp  retains  an  herbaceous  text- 
ui'c  during  its  devt'  .neiit,  and  results  in  a  membranous  or  liardencd 
coating  to  the  seed.     In  some  of  these  the  pericarp  opens  at  maturity  and 


Fig.  so. — Cheirios.     Example  of  a 


Via.  61.  — Verlicoi  section  of 
n  cherry. 


I'lo.  S"J. — .\chenium  of  a  com- 
posite plant. 


permits  the  seeds  to  escape  ;  such  fruits  are  termed  dehiscent.  In  others, 
as  well  as  in  all  fleshy  and  stone-fruits,  the  pericarp  remains  closed  ;  these 
are  termed  indehiscent. 

Of  indehiscent  dry  fruits  a  common  form  is  the  acheniunn,  or 
akene,  a  1-socded  fruit,  apix'aring  like  a  seed,  but  being  covered  closely 
by  the  pericarp.  Of  this  kind  are  all  the  fruits  of  the  vompodla;  (Fig. 
82)  and  many  of  the  ranuncidacea\  The  real  botanical  fruit  of  the  straw- 
berry is  also  an  achenium,  for  each  of  the  so-called  seeds  is  an  achenium 
innnersed  in  the  fleshy,  edible  receptacle  (Fig,  88).  In  the  raspberry  and 
blackberry  each  grain  is  a  minute  berry  or  stone-fruit  surrounded  by  a 
fleshy  mass,  in  the  one  case  separable  from  the  receptacle,  in  the  other 
fused  with  it  (Figs.  81  and  85). 

The  achenia  of  the  compositte  are  commonly  crowned  with  a  tuft  of 
bristles  or  hairs,  termed  the  pappus  (Fig.  82),  designed  to   favor  their 


42 


ELEMENTS    OF   BOTANY. 


distribution  by  the  wind.     That  of  the  dandelion  will  serve  as  an  illus- 
tration. 

The  utricle  is  au  achenium  with  a  loose,  bladdery  pericarp. 


Fio.  K!.— ;V  sIijiuIh  rry,  t^tunvinp; 
the  H(!LMl8  (iiclicniuj  iiuiiiLTtieil  iu  thu 
llcsliy  rt'coptiiulu. 


„  .--llAx 

''•.Ja     ~     "Sail  vt  ^'I'l 

■"■'■?■■  A"  s 
Fig.  84 — A  rusi)bc'rr3'. 


Fig.  85. — A  blockbcrry. 


The  caryopsis  has  the  pericarp  incorporated  with  the  seed,  as  in 
wheat,  rye,  ami  Indian  corn. 

A  nut  is  a  dry  indehiscent  fruit  with  a  hard  woody  or  bony  shell,  as 
in  the  acorn,  chestnut,  and  cocoanut.  The  acorn  rests  in  a  cup-shaped  in- 
volucre, termed  the  cup,  or  cu pule  ;  the  chestnut  in  a  prickly  bm\ 


Fig.  86.— Samiira  of  tho  maplo. 


Fio.  87.— Samara  of 
the  nilanthns. 


FlQ.  88.— Follicle 
(if  acohito. 


A  samara,  or  key-fruit,  is  either  a  nut  or  an  achenium,  or  any  other 
dry  fruit  furnished  with  a  wing  to  favor  its  distribution  by  the  wind.  Of 
this  kind  are  the  fruits  of  the  maple  (Fig.  8G),  elm,  tulip  tree,  and  ailau- 
thus  (Fig.  87). 


THE    FRUIT. 


43 


Capsule,  or  pod,  is  the  general  name  for  dry  scod-vessols  which  spUt 
open  at  maturity  in  some  regular  maimer.  It  presents  many  dillereut 
forms. 

The  follicle  is  the  fruit  of  a  simple  pistil  which  splits  along  its  inner 
suture — that  is,  the  suture  formed  by  the  united  edges  of  the  leatlet  which 
formed  the  pistil  (Fig.  88). 

The  legume  splits  along  both  sutures,  as  we  see  in  the  bean  and  pea 
(Fig.  89).     It  is  common  to  a  large  order  of  plants,  the  lerjuminume. 

The  true  capsule  is  the  product  of  a  compound  pistil.  It  may  be  one 
or  mauy-cellod,  and  may  discharge  its  seeds  through  chinks  or  pores,  as  in 


Ua 


Fia.  80.— LcRume  ol 


Fio.  no.— Capsule  of  poppy. 


Fio.  ill.— a  siUque, 


the  poppy  (Fig.  90),  or  burst  irregularly,  or,  as  is  most  common,  open  by 
valves. 

Dehiscence  by  valves  is  locullcidal  when  the  pod  splits  down  the  back 
of  each  cell ;  septic idal  when  the  cells  first  sepai-ate  from  each  other 
through  their  partitions  and  then  open  along  their  inner  margin. 

The  silique  is  the  pod  found  in  the  cracifera;.  It  is  divided  into  two 
colls  by  a  false  partition,  and  generally  opens  by  two  valves  from  below 
upward  (Fig.  i)l). 

The  silicle  is  a  short,  broad  silicj[ue,  like  that  of  the  shepherd's  piu'se. 


44 


ELEMENTS    OF    BOTANY. 


Tho  pyxis  is  a  pod  which  opeus  transversely,  the  upper  portion  form- 
ing a  H(l  or  cover  (Fig".  'J2). 

Compound  fruits  are  those  rosiilting  from  many  blossoms  aggregated 
into  one  mass.  The  most  common  form  is  tho  strobile,  or  cone,  the 
fruit  of  the  comfe.rce. 

The  cone  is  composed  of  open  pistils,  commonly  in  the  form  of  flat 
S(!ales,  regularly  overlying  each  other,  and  all  pressed  together  into  a  coni- 
cal tjhape  (Fig.  1)3).     Each  scale  bears  one  or  two  seeds  on  its  inner  sur- 


Fio.  92.— Pyxis  of  hcnlmnc. 


Pig.  !)."!. — A  pine  coup. 


face.     When  mature  and  dry  the  scales  diverge  and  permit  the   seeds  to 
escape. 

In  some  plants  the  scales  forming  tlie  cone  become  fleshy  and  more 
or  less  united  to  each  other,  so  as  to  form  a  fruit  resembling  a  berry ;  of 
such  a  character  are  the  cones  of  juniper,  commonly  known  as  juniper 
berries. 

THE  SEED. 


Ovules  which  have  been  fertilized  and  undergone  subsequent  develop- 
ment become  seeds. 

The  seed  consists  of  a  kernel  covered  by  an  integument.  The  integu- 
ment or  seed-coat  is  divisible  into  two  layers,  an  external  often  hard  and 
crustaceous,  termed  the  testa,  and  an  internal  one,  "which  is  thin  and 
delicate. 

The  testa  sometimes  fits  the  kernel  closely,  as  in  the  bean  ;  again,  it 
is  expanded  into  a  wing  (Fig.  94)  or  is  tufted  with  long,  soft  hairs,  as  in 


THE    SEED. 


43 


the  milk- wood,  or  with  nioro  doliciito  libros,  as  in  (cotton  (Fi<^.  05).  Somo 
seeds  have  an  additional  covering,  more  or  less  exi)andod  in  i'onn,  termed 
an  arillus,  or  aril;  of  such  character  is  the  mace  of  nutmeg  and  the 
scarlet  pulp  enclosing  the  seeds  oi  the  woody  bitter-sweet  [Cduiitrus  scaii- 
dcns),  so  nuxch  used  fov  winter  decoration. 

All  tlie  expansions  of  the  external  seed-coat  are  evidently  designed  to 
favor  the  distribution  of  the  seeds. 

The  scar  loft  where  the  seed-stalk  separates  is  termed  the  hilum  ;  the 
minute  orifice  through  which  the  pollen-tube  entered,  now  closed  up,  is 
termed  the  micropyle. 

Tlie  kernel  is  tlio  essential  part  of  the  seed.  In  many  seeds  it  is  all 
embryo — that  is,  a  minute  folded-up  plantlet ;  in  others  it  comprises  not 


-'" .- 


FlQ.  91. — Winged  sccil  of  tlio  pino. 


Fin.  O.'i.  — C.jttoii  ficed. 


only  the  embryo,  but  a  mass  of  nourishing  matter  in  which  this  is  im- 
bedded, termed  the  albumen. 

The  albumen  is  composed  of  stai'ch,  gluten,  oily  matters,  etc.,  and  is 
designed  to  nourish  the  young  plantlet  during  the  early  stages  of  its  de- 
velopment, before  its  roots  have  taken  firm  hold  of  the  soil.  It  should  be 
borne  in  mind  that  this  ditVers  in  every  essential  particular  from  animal 
albumen. 

The  embryo,  or  germ,  is  the  embryo  plantlet  whose  development  we 
have  studied  in  the  bean  and  Indian  corn.  It  is  distinguishable  into  throe 
parts,  namely,  (1)  the  radicle,  called  also  and  more  properly  the  caulicle, 
or  rudimentary  stem,  to  one  end  of  wliioli  are  attachetl  (2)  the  cotyle- 
dons, or  seed-leaves,  between  which  is  the  rudimentary  bud  termed  the 
(3)  plumule,  while  the  other  end  becomes  the  descending  axis. 

And  here  we  leave  this  branch  of  our  siibject,  having  outlined,  in  a  gen- 
eral way,  the  history  of  flowering  plants  from  their  germination  in  the  seed 
to  their  reproduction  in  seed  again. 

From  this  history  that  of  flowerless  or  cryptogamous  plants 
fliffers  in  many  essential  particulars,  but  most  of  all  in  their  earliest  and 
latest  stages,  in  germination,  and  in  reproduction.    This  subject  cannot  be 


40  ELEMENTS    OB'    BOTANY. 

entcrerl  into  in  dctiiil  lioro,  for  however  nctivo  cryptogamous  plants  may 
be  in  the  causation  of  diseaso — and  Hurcly  tliis  is  a  vexed  qucstioii  just 
now — they  are  not,  as  a  rule,  particularly  eiiicacious  in  its  cure,  at  least 
so  far  as  our  present  knowledge  goes. 

Of  the  lowest  orders  we  shall  say  nothing  save  that  their  life  history  is 
similar  to  that  of  the  lowest  orders  of  the  animal  kingdom,  being,  in  fact, 
nothing  but  the  history  of  single  cells. 

The  highest  orders,  termed  acrogenous  cryptogams,  have  a  dis- 
tinct axis,  growing  from  its  apex  only,  containing  woody  tissue  and  vessels, 
and  usually  with  some  foliage.  They  are  destitute  of  true  flowers,  but  i)ro- 
duce,  instead  of  seeds,  minute  bodies  termed  spores.  From  these  spores 
are  produced  new  plants,  but  in  a  manner  altogether  diflerent  from  the 
germination  of  the  seed  of  a  flowering  plant.  In  the  first  place,  from  the 
spores  are  developed  oi'gans  analogous  to  stamens  and  pistils ;  the  latter 
being  fertilized  by  the  former,  a  new  plantlet  is  the  result.  In  other 
words,  reproduction  is  not  finally  accomplished  by  the  parent  plant, 
though  the  materials  for  its  accomplishment  are  fully  prepared. 

To  this  class  Ijelong  very  few  medicinal  species,  male  fern  {Af<pidii(m 
Filix-ma>^),  shield  fern  {A^indium  marginalc),  and  club-moss  [Lycopodiam) 
being  the  only  ones  indigenous  to  North  America. 

CLASSIFICATION   OF   PLANTS. 

Tlio  unit  of  classification  in  vegetable  as  in  animal  life  is  the  species  ; 
and  a  knowledge  of  all  known  species  would,  in  one  sense,  comprise  the 
knowledge  of  the  whole  vegetable  kingdom.  But  as  species  indicates  a 
rclationshij:)  of  individuals,  so  different  sjiecies  bear  relationship  to  each 
other,  and  groups  of  sj^ecies  relationshiiis  to  other  groups,  and  so  on  until 
the  entire  vegetable  kingdom  is  included. 

An  illustration  will  best  serve  to  define  a  species.  Take,  for  example, 
2:>eppennint.  We  have  here  a  plaiit  of  a  certain  aspect,  with  stem,  leaves, 
flowers,  and  fruit  to  a  certain  extent  peculiar  to  itself.  The  seed  of  one 
individual  or  of  a  thousand  will  produce  plants  of  essentially  the  same 
character,  year  after  yeai*,  generation  after  generation.  We  might  plant 
beside  this  another  of  somewhat  similar  aspect,  sj)earmint,  and  this  would 
also  reproduce  itself  generation  after  generation  without  change.  There 
would  never  be  an  intermingling  of  the  two  ;  the  seed  of  the  one  would 
never  produce  the  other,  but  each  would  always  reproduce  itself.  Now, 
then,  all  the  individual  jieppei'mint  plants  existing  are  the  direct  descend- 
ants of  others  which  preceded  them,  and  those  of  others  still,  and  we  can 
reasonably  trace  the  chain  backward  to  one  common  ancestor.  The  sania 
with  spearmint.  To  express  this  history  of  a  plant  we  use  the  term 
species,  signifying  all  individuals  descended  from  a  common  stock. 
Hence  the  species  peppermint  comprises  all  the  individuals  having  its  pe- 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    PLANTS.  47 

cnliar  cliaractoristics,  and  the  species  spenrmint  nil  the  individual  mints  of 
this  kind. 

But  tliese  two  species  bear  an  evident  relationship  to  each  other,  as 
evinced  by  their  square  stems,  opposite  leaves,  peculiar  flowers  and  seeds, 
as  well  as  in  their  similar  but  distinct  aromati(!  in-operties.  This  relation- 
ship is  expressed  by  the  term  genus,  which  signifies  n  group  of  relatejd 
species. 

J^it  if  we  investigate  a  little  further  we  shall  find  nuuiy  other  plants 
having  a  general  reseniblance  to  these  two  mints  in  their  manner  of 
growth,  mode  of  flowering,  etc.  Take  catnip,  for  example.  Her(>  we  find 
the  squai'e  stem,  opposite  leaves,  and  a  similar  mode  of  flowering,  but  still 
some  well-marked  ditt'erences  which  have  placed  it  in  another  genus.  But 
these  two  genera  have  still  marks  of  relationship  wliicsh  pl;u;e  them,  to- 
gether with  many  other  genera,  in  a  still  greater  group  termed  an  order. 
Nor  do  we  stop  here,  for  we  have  seen  that  a  plant  may  have  i)olypetalous, 
gamopetalous,  or  apetalous  flowers,  and  obviously  orders  of  polypetalic  are 
more  nearly  related  to  each  other  than  to  gamopetahe  or  ai)etahe  ;  hence 
oi'ders  are  grouped  in  divisions.  And  again,  the  three  divisions  of  poly- 
petakc,  gamopetahe,  and  apetahe,  being  found  in  exogenous  plants,  are 
more  nearly  related  to  each  other  than  to  endogenous  plants  ;  hence 
tlie  distinction  of  classes.  But  the  two  classes  of  flowering  plants  are 
yet  more  neai'ly  related  to  each  other  than  to  flowerless  plants,  and  an- 
other term,  Sub-kingdom,  is  required  to  express  that  fact. 

To  express  tliis  grouping  of  i)lants  in  a  natural  way  we  have  :  Sub" 
kingdom.    Class.     Division.    Order.     Genus.    Species. 

In  this  system  of  classification  the  order,  genus,  and  species  has  each  its 
distinctive  name.  Names  of  orders  are  often  derived  from  some  well- 
marked  characteristic  of  the  plants  composing  it,  as  JaJiiaUr,  an  order 
characterized  by  labiate  flowers  ;  Icr/uminoxd',  having  fruit  in  the  form  of  a 
legume  ;  crucifern',  having  flowers  in  the  form  of  a  cross.  Often,  again, 
they  are  derived  from  that  of  some  genus  which  they  include  whose  name 
was  established  before  this  classification  was  introduced,  as  magnoliacece, 
from  magnolia  ;  rainmculacece,  from  ranunculus  ;  rosacea;,  from  rose  ;  sola- 
naci'cn,  from  solanum,  etc. 

The  generic  name  is  in  many  instances  of  ancient  origin  ;  in  other  in- 
stances it  has  been  derived  from  names  of  individuals  or  from  some 
structural  peculiarity,  etc. 

The  specific  name  most  commonly  characterizes  some  structui'al  feature  : 
Gentiana  quinquc flora  {Jive-fioiocred  G.),  G.  criidta  {fringed  G.),  etc.  It  not 
unfrequently  commemorates  some  individual  or  coixntry,  as  Gentiana  An- 
drewHii  {Andrews  gentian),  Comas  Canadensis,  etc.,  and  is  then  commonly 
written  with  an  initial  capital. 

To  illustrate  the  manner  in  which  these  names  are  employed,  we  will 
make  use  of  a  single  example.     The  order  GEXTUNACEiE  includes  all  plants 


48  ELKMKNTS    OF    BOTANY. 

in  flio  Icnnwn  wcirM  liaviiif?  tlio  pfpiicral  Htrnctiivfi  of  a  pontiaii,  conipriHing 
many  ^ciuM'a,  as  t/cnlidiiii,  fdhlxili'i,  J'nist'ra,  vtc. 

Tlio  f^fonns  cjentiana  iucludfcH  all  the  gentiauH,  nud  their  names  are 
•written  thus  : 

Gontiana  quiiuincflnra  Laniarch — Five-flowored  gentian. 

(Jcntiana  criiiita  Frnclich-  Fringed  gentian. 

(lentiana   Antlrewsii  (Irisebach — Aiidrows'  gentian,  etc. 

Th(!  words  Fianian-k,  Froelieh,  and  (Irisebach  being  the  names  of  the 
botanists  who  described  the  plants  and  gave  them  their  si)e('itic  names. 

Such  is  a  l)rief  outline  of  the  classiticjation  of  plants  at  present  em- 
ployed. It  is  variously  modified  to  suit  circmnstances,  but  these  modifi- 
cations do  not  recpiire  our  attention  here.  There  is,  however,  one  point 
which  re(|uires  a  passing  glance.  T^  speaking  of  species,  these  were 
treated  of  as  being  absolutely  distinctive.  Now,  in  reality  this  is  far  from 
the  fact,  for  often  species — as  described — are  diflicult  to  distinguish  one 
from  anothei'.  Again,  the  same  sjjeciea  may  present  plants  of,  in  some  re- 
spects, dillerent  aspects  ;  as  for  example,  a  plant  whose  flowers  are  habitu- 
ally blue  may  produce  individuals  with  white  Dowers.  Now  when  such 
variations  from  the  spcn-itic  standard  tend  to  rejjrochice  themselves  year 
after  year,  they  are  termed  varieties  ;  hence  we  not  unfrequently  see  the 
specific  name  f(jllowed  by  the  word  variety  and  another  name,  as  Anemone 
patens  Linne,  var.  NitttaUiava  Gray,  signifying  that  the  plant  is  a  varietj'  of 
anemone  i)atens  as  characterized  by  Linm',  which  variety  was  named  for 
Nuttall  and  descril)ed  by  Gray. 

The  i)lants  of  any  region  or  coinitry  arranged  systematically  according 
to  this — or  any  other — system  of  classification  is  termed  the  flora  of  that 
region  or  country,  and  such  a  flora  is  of  immense  service  to  the  student 
who  wishes  to  familiarize  himself  with  the  plants  about  him.  AVith  this 
flora  before  him  and  an  unknown  plant  in  his  hand,  he  is  enabled  to  trace 
out  analytically,  stej)  by  step,  the  relationship  of  the  unknown  with  the 
known,  and  finally  to  fix  the  plant's  specific  location. 

We  will  suppose  him  with  a  flowering  plant  in  his  hfind,  but  one  which 
he  has  never  seen  before.  He  begins  by  ascertaining  whether  it  be  ex- 
ogenous or  endogenous ;  if  exogenous,  whether  polypetalons,  gamopeta- 
lous,  or  apetalous  ;  and  then  whether  it  bear  evident  relationship  to  plants 
of  any  order  with  which  he  is  familiar.  If  not,  he  must  search  through 
the  characters  of  orders  until  he  can  fix  its  ordinal  location,  then  its  ge- 
neric place,  and  finally  its  specific  name.  For  facilitating  such  analyses  arti- 
ficial keys  are  supplied  in  most  published  fioras. 

A  medical  flora,  such  as  is  attempted  in  the  second  part  of  this  volume, 
is  an  orderly  arrangement  of  the  medicinal  plants  of  any  region  or  country. 
Obviously  a  key  cannot  readily  be  availed  of  in  such  a  work,  for,  to  be  of 
any  service,  it  must  be  capable  of  application  to  all  the  plants  which  the 
territory  includes. 


(}  L  O  S  S  A  li  V 


OK 


DKmONARY  OF  BOTANICAL  TERMS. 


(COMBINED    WITH    AN    INDEX.) 


AcnuleHrmt,   witliont  an  appariMit  stem — 

tlio  U-\w  loaf    and   llowur-boaring  stem 

biiing  short  or  subtorrani'an. 
Achenhua  (or  akeno),  a  dry  1-st'«deil  fruit, 

Fig.  H3,  p.  41. 
yl(  'ciddi;  noodlt.'-sliapod. 
Acrof/c.noiis,  growing  only  from  th(>  sum- 
mit, as  the  stems  of  foriis  and  mosses. 
Aculeate,  armed  witli  prickles. 
Acuminate,  tapor-i)ointed. 
Aciite,  sharp-jiointed. 
Adnate  (anther),  attached  by  one  face  to 

tlie  side  of  tlie  filament,  \).  'X\. 
Adccntitwus  roots,  p.  G. 
Adventitimts  roots  of  parasitic  phiiits,  Fig. 

1:5,  p.  7. 
Air-j)lants,  those  nourished  by  aerial  roots, 

p.  9. 
Akene  (or  achenium\  a  dry  1-seeded  fruit. 

Fig.  83,  p.  41. 
Alatc,  winged. 
Albumen^  p.  4.5. 
Alburnum,  sap-wood,  p.  15. 
Alternate,  one  after  another,  as  alternate 

leaves. 
Alreolatc,  like  honoyeomb. 
Andrn'cium,   a   collective    name    for    the 

stamens. 
Annual,  a  plant  which  germinates  from 

the  seed,  produces  flowers  and  fruit,  and 

dies  the  same  season,  p.  9. 
Annual  rings  (,o{  wood).  Fig.  19,  p.  14. 


I  Anther,  tlio  essential  part  of  tlie  stam.on, 
j      Figs.  59,  7:5,  74,  p.  M. 

AjH'tidoHx,  without  a  corolla,  p.  ',Vi. 
j  Ajihyllous,  destitute  of  leaves. 
1  Appressed,  in  close  contact  but  not  united. 

Arh(ireotts{m  arborescent),  tree-like. 

AriUiis  (or  aril),  a  fleshy,  false  coating  to 
the  seed,  p.  4r». 

Aristate,  armed  with  a  hrisllo-like  jioint. 

Artioddtion,  the  joint  at  which  a  part  se])a- 
rates,  as  the  petiole  from  the  stem,  p. 
20. 

Ascending  8t£m,  one  which  arises  obliquely, 
p.  10. 

Assnrgent,  ascending. 

Aim,  a  bristle-like  appendage. 

A.ril,  the  angle  on  the  upper  side  between 
the  leaf  and  stem. 

Axillary  hud,  a  bud  placed  in  the  axil  of  a 
leaf.  Axillary  buds  often  remain  dor- 
mant indeliniti^ly  ;  when  they  begin  to 
grow  they  become  terminal  buds,  i.e., 
buds  terminating  growing  branches,  p. 
10. 

Baccate,  like  a  berry. 
Barbate,  bearded. 
Bark,  p.  15. 

Bast-cells,  the  long  wood-cells  of  bark,  p.  15. 
Beaked,  ending  in  a  beak  or  narrow  tip. 
Bean,  its  structure  and  gerrainatiou,  Figfl. 
1-5,  p.  a. 


50 


OLOSSAKY    OU   DICTIONARY    OF    KOTANICAL   TEIIMS. 


Berry,  a  fruit  inilpy  or  juicy  througliout, 

l-ig.  71»,  J..  4(». 
Jhi'tiriuitU',  two-ktu'lod. 
Jtulfiddte,  with  tvvd  teeth. 
liirnvitil,  a  iiltmt  wliieli  trerminatefl  from 

the  Hecil  (Hie  M'uson  iiiul  proiluct'8  llowora 

ami  fruit  iinil  dies  tiie  nuxt,  p.  U. 
liijiil,  twitcieft. 
BifMite,  with  two  It- atlets, 
Jhldhiiiff,  tw(>-li]ii)e(l. 
Biloriiliir,  two-celled. 
Jiipitrtitf,  two-piirtod. 
JUpiniiiilc,  twico  jiinnato,  Fig.  HI,  p.  21. 
limrniti',  (h)ubly  serrate,  us  when  the  tooth 

of  u  serrate  leaf  are  tluMuselveH  scrrato. 
Blade  (or  lniniuii\  tlie  oxpandod  portion 

of  a  leaf,  ]).  17. 
Bnift^,  tin;  leaves  of  iuHoreHronno,  p.  25. 
BrnrHctH  (or  bracteoles),  Becoudary  bracts. 
TritnrhrH  (and  stem),  p.  9. 
Biida  (iiitl  Irtinn,  p.  17. 
Bull),  a  short,    usually   snaly   and   si'bter- 

ranoau  stem,  Figs.  lG-18,  p.  11. 

Cadunoim,  falling  off  quickly,  p.  31. 

C'rrspitoKc,  growing  in  tufts. 

Culi/x,  the  external  lloral  envelojio,  p.  3i 

Cainbiuni  Uii/cr,  p.  1.^. 

Cnnalkuhitfiy  channelled. 

Cnnrelliitc,  rest>nil)Iiiig  lattice-work. 

Cdnenmif,  grayish-wliite,  hoary. 

Capitate,  hoad-liko. 

Capsule  (or  pod),  a  dry  seed-vessel   whiidi 

splits  open  in  a  regular  manner,  p.  43. 
Carina,  a  keel. 
Carinate,  keeled. 
Carpel,  a  simple  pistil  or  one  division  of  a  !  Cuxpidnte,   armed  with    a   small    cu.«p,   or 

compound  pistil.  |      tootli. 

CaniTirle,   an    excrescence  at    the  scar  of  i  Cyme,  a  sort  of  flat  topped  flower-cluster, 

some  seeds.  |      Fig.  f)0,  p.  hi). 

Cai'yopsis,  a  fruit  having  the  pericarp  in-  , 


Clami  (of  plants),  p.  47. 

(.'litnnijlealioii  of  jdanlH,  p.  40. 

Clair,  tho  narrow,  Btulk-liko  base  of  Boine 
petals. 

Ct*'ft,  out  more  than  half-way  to  tho  base, 
p.  19. 

Cliiiibiiiij,  rising  by  clinging  to  other  ob- 
jeutH.  I'liintH  climb  in  many  ilitferent 
ways:  by  twining,  by  means  of  adven- 
titious roots,  by  tendrils,  by  the  petioles 
of  tlio  leaves.  •  Ic. 

Column,  tliii  united  stamens,  or  stamens 
and  pistils  of  sonu>  plants. 

Compute,  ^flower),  having  calyx,  corolla, 
stamens,  and  jdstils,  p.  37. 

CumjMund  leaf,  I'"ig.  31),  p.  20. 

CompreHHed,  flattened  on  opposite  sides. 

Coui'eiitrir.  ri/ii/K  {<t(  wiWil),  l"ig.  lil,  p.  14. 

Cone,  tho  friut  of  tlie  Coni^mf,  Fig.  93, 
p.  44. 

Connate,  leaves  united  about  tho  stem,  p. 

Oontraefril,  narrowed  or  shortened. 

Ooi'-iaceoii.i,  leathery. 

Conn,  a  fleshy  bulb,  p.  12. 

Corolla,  the  inner  floral  envelope,  p.  31. 

Cortical,  pertaining  to  the  bark  {eorte.r). 

Con/ml),  a  sort  of  flat  or  convex  flower- 
cluster,  Figs.  39,  40,  p.  2(i. 

Cotyledons  (or  seed-leaves),  tlui  first  leaves 
of  the  embryo.  Figs.  1-3,  pp.  2,  4."). 

Orenate,  scalloped,  Fig.  28,  p.  19. 

Cri/ptot/anioiis  (or  flowerlt3s)^>/(;/)Ai,  p.  45. 

Cuneatt,  wedge-shaped. 

Cup  (or  cupule),  the  involucre  in  which 
an  aecrn  rests,  ]>.  42. 


corporated  with  the  seed,  p.  42. 
Catkin  (orament),  Figs.  4fi,  47,  p.  28. 
Cav,dat.e,  tailed. 
CaulMe  (or  radicle),  tho  stem  part  of  the 

embryo,  p.  45. 
Caxdine,  belonging  to  the  stem,  as  cauline 

leaves. 
Chlorophyll,  the  green  coloring  matter  of 

plants,  p.  24. 
Cinereous,  ashy-gray. 
Circinate,  rolled  inward  from  the  top. 


Decandrons,  with  ten  stamens. 

DecidiioiiH,  falling  off,  as  loaves  which  fall 
in  autumn,  p.  22. 

Declined,  turned  to  one  side. 

Decompound,  several  or  many  times  com- 
pounded or  divided,  p.  21. 

Decurrent  (leaves),  prolonged  down  the 
stem. 

Dejinif^,  a  fixed  number. 

Dehiscent  (fruits) ;  opening  at  maturity, 
p.  41. 


GLOSSAUY   on    mCTIONAUY    OF   BOTANICAL  TKUMS. 


51 


Ikuta1t\  tootliod,  Fii<.  2«,  p.  10.  : 

/h/iirsMrit,  tliittt-'iii'd  v«'rti(!ivlly.  ' 

Ihli'i'iitniiitf  iiijloniiirni't ,  j>.  VJ5. 
/Hii(li//i/i<niH    (.stiiiiit'iiHi,    iiuiti'd    liy     tlmlr  , 

lllairuMitH  into  two  Hotm,  p.  iVi, 
/)/,itulroiis,  hiiviiit,'  two  stiinicns.  1 

llirliotoinoim,  fdrkt'd. 
Jh'ih/iininona,  liaviiig  fo>ir  Htaincns  in  two 

pairs,  one  of  which   is  sliortiT  thiin  liiu 

otiliT. 
Diijililtdjf  ri'itii'if,  p.  19.  1 

Dif/j/noiin,  liiiviiii;  (wo  pistils  or  HtyU'c.  ' 

IHivcuniH  (pliiiits),  tl»ox<>  whirii  liavc  stam- 

iiiiito  and  i)istillat«   (Iowimh  on  difTcrcnt 

individuals,  Fi.L,'H.  4(1,  47,  p.  !l(J. 
Dixnqyiinenh,  tlic  partitions  of  an  ovary  or 

I'ruit. 
IHiided,  cut  to  tlic  base,  p.  20. 
Dimion  'of  iilants).  p.  47. 
J>ni)H',  11  stoui-t'riiit,  p.  41. 
l)u.ds  (or  vesselfl\  Fig.  2;{,  p.  14. 
JJurunien,  lieart-wood,  j>.  15. 

Kehimnte,  armed  with  prickles. 

Knuir<iiii(ft<\  notclu'd  at  tli(>  apex. 

Eiiihi'j/o  (or  goriii),  the  rudimentary  plant- 
let  in  the  seed,  p.  4"i. 

KiKlociirp,  the  inner  layer  of  the  pericarp, 
p.  40. 

Eiifhii/oiotin  pliDitH,  without  distincrtiou  of 
bark,  wood,  and  pith,  I'ig.  25,  p.  10. 

Eiixiform,  sword-shaped. 

Eutiri',  the  margins  not  toothed  or  indent- 
ed. 

Epfmrp,  the  outer  layer  of  the  pericarp, 
p.  40. 

FjiiiiJermis,  the  outer  covering  or  skin. 

h'lii(/l/iioii^'<,  upon  the  ovary,  p.  U7. 

Ktpuilly  piniKitc,  with  leaflets  in  pairs,  p. 
20. 

Erect  sfcD),  one  growing  straight  up,  p. 
10. 

h'rosr,  eroded,  appearing  as  if  gnawed. 

A'Ksentidl  Jhrtil  orrjanit,  those  necessary  to 
reproiuietion,  namely,  stamens  and    pis- 

lii.s,  p.  ;n. 

liny le nous  plmifs,  with  hark,  wood,  and 
pith,  each  distinct,  Fig.  10,  p.  12. 

KrMipnlatc,  witho)it  stipules. 

KrtrorKe  (anther),  fixed  to  the  side  of  the 
filament  wliich  looks  away  from  the  pis- 
til, p.  03. 


FalTAite,  Hcytlie-Hhaped 
Juiaciiif,  a  (do.se  elusti-r,  j).  IlO. 

FiiHcirttil  nx'tx,  tiu)se  wliich  grow  in  a  l>uu- 
dlo  or  cluster,  p.  5. 

FihimfiU,  the  part  of  the  Btanu-n  winch 
supports  tlie  anther,  p.  ;12. 

J^lan.Hanf,  yellowish,  ur  turning  yoilow. 

h^cithy  J'ni  itK,  ]).  40 

I'loni,  the  plants  o'"  a  district  or  cmiutry, 
or  a  systematic  arra'iijumentand  descrip- 
tion of  them. 

Florid  ori/diiM,  p.  81. 

Floirrr.  ]).  2ri. 

Floircr-l>ii<l,  p.  25. 

/'7f>»rfr^/i«  (or  cryptogamous)  ?>' n;^^,  p.  15. 

Folinrroiis,  leaf-1  i ke. 

Fiillirl(\  a  fruit  whiidi  opens  along  its  inniT 
suture,  Fig.  88,  p.  4;{. 

Foolxtillk  (or  petiole"),  the  stem  of  a  leaf, 
p.  17. 

Foredtr,  deeply  pitted. 

Fruit,  ]).  40. 

Fuiirtioii.H  of  h'dcn,  p.  24. 

Fnnrliona  of  rootn,  p.  8. 

FiuirtioHS  of  stent,  and  hrnnrhrfi,  p.  Hi. 

FnnetionH  of  t/icjlomr,  p.  .18. 

FiiHiforni,  spi mile  shaped. 

Giilfute,  helmet-shaped. 

OaTHO]Mtiil.oiis,  monojietalous,  p.  ■52. 

GamosepnlouH,  nionosepalous,  j).  ;U. 

GenirnlAilr,  heut  like  a  knee. 

Gcnns,  p.  47. 

Qprm  (or  embryo'),  the  rudimentary  plant- 
let  in  the  se(»d,  p.  45. 

Ghtbrous,  smooth. 

Olanils,  small  cellular  organs  which  secrete 
oily,  resinous,  or  other  products. 
;  (llniiroiiH,  covered   with    a    bloom-  a  fine 
white  powdery  coating  which  rubsoJf,  iw 
the  bloom  of  a  grape. 

Glomeruli',  adeusi;  head-lik(!  cluster,  p.  HO. 

Gtpunosperinons,  nakedsee<l(!d. 

GyruBcium,  a  collective  luvme  for  the  pis- 
tils. 

Gynanilrous,    with    stamens    and     pistils 
united. 

IlnUtat,  the  situation   in   wliich  a    plant 

grows  without  cultivation. 
Ilnirs,  liair-like  appendages  on  the  surface 

of  i)lant3. 


52 


GLOSSARY   OR   DICTIONARY    OP   BOTANICAL   TERMS. 


JIalf-siiperior    (calyx\  partiiilly   enclosing 

till)  oviirv,  Fig.  7,v,  j>.  'M. 
Jfmtdte,  lialbcrd-sliiipcil. 
Jfmd,   tin?    iiiliorL'siiciico   of   tli(    so-called 

C()ini)()iiiHl  flowers,  \i}g**.  48,  41),  jj.  2S. 
IJcart-iraoil  (or  duramiMi).  the  oldi-r,  ofton 

colored  wood  of  exoi^'ciioiis  stems. 
Ih'.rh,    a  j)l;iiit   wliicli    dies   altogotlnfr,   or 

down  to  the  ground,  after   niatiirini;  its 

fruit. 
JkrhdrcoHH,  having  the  textur(>  of  an  herb, 

i.e.,  with  little  woody  tissue    p.  13. 
Jlilnni,  the  ,s(;ar  on  tiie   seed  niaiking  its 

former  attachment  to   the   seed-vessel, 

pp.  3,  45. 
JFoanf,  grayish-while. 
Jforri,  a  spur  or  other  like  appondaLtt;. 
Jfi/I)7'i'l,  a  cross-breed,  ]i.  lilt. 
Jh/pofji/non.'i,    inserted    h(>Iow    tlu!    pistils, 

I'ig.s.  (>7,  ()8,  p.  oT. 


ImhricMc,  overhqipiu!,'  one  anotlier. 
Impan-inruKitr,  une(|uaily  i)innate. 
Tnr^nnii.t^  boai'v  with  white  pubi'S('(>nco. 
liixJcfiniti',  not  uniform  iu  number,  or  very 

numerotis. 
IiiflcJu'srciif  (fruit),  not  opening  at  maturity, 

p.  41. 
Iiu/ctenninnte  iyifloresc^vrc,  p.  3."). 
Indian  rmvi,  its  structure  andgermimition, 

Figs.  <!-»,  J).  ;}. 
TudigenoiiH,  native  to  lh(>  country. 
fnduplirate,  with  edges  turned  inward. 
IiiJhreHc.cni'e,  the.  arrangement  of    (lowers, 

p.  2.". 
fiifiindihiiliform,  funnel-shaped. 
Innate   (antlier),   attaclied   by  its   ba.se    to 

the  apex  of  tlu  fihunent,  p.  :?;?.  1 

Litsrnodi',  the  space  b(>twe(Mi  two  nodes  or 

joints,  p.  0.  ; 

TntrovKi'  (anther\  fixed  to  the  side  of  tbo 

lilaiuent  which  looks  toward  the  pistil,  ! 

p. «;?.  I 

In-olnrii,  the  bracts  at  the  base  of  a  partial ' 

umbel,  p.  38.  | 

Inrdu.re,  a  whorl  of  bracts  about  the  base 

of  a  single  llower,  an  umb(>l  or  a  head. 
Inrd>itr,  roll<>il  inward  from  the  edges. 
Irrrrfiilar,  with  like  parts  dissimilar,  as  an 

irregular  corolla,  one  with    some  of    its 

jH'tals  unlike  the  others. 


Joint  (or  node))  that  part  of  a  stem  from 
wliicli  a  leaf  or  heaves  spring. 

Keel,  a  projection  like  the  keel  of  a  boat. 
Kernel,  p.  44. 

Liihdlam,  the  o(Ul  petal  of  orchidaceous 
plants. 

Lui'invite,  slashe<l  or  cut  into  narrow  lobes. 

laniif/ino'ia,  cotlouy  or  woolly. 

Liniiiiia  (or  bladt.'),  the  expanded  portion 
of  a  leaf,  p.  17. 

f.ciijli  f.i,  the  separate  blades  of  a  com- 
pound leaf.  Fig.  '.W,  p.  30. 

Legninc,  a  pod  which  opens  along  both  su- 
tures,, Fig.  Hil,  p.  4:5. 

TA'ntir'.liir,  lens-shaped. ' 

lAhcr,  the  inner,  fibrous  bark  of  exogenous 
])lai>ts. 

Liiinlr,  the  strap-shapcid  corolla  of  many 
uomposita). 

Liuib,  the  free  border  of  a  nionosei)alous 
caly.x  or  nninopetalo.is  co.'oUa,  pp.  !jl,  l!3. 

Liiiiiir,  narrow  and  Hat. 

L/p,  the  priiu'ijial  lobes  of  a  bilabiate  calyx 
or  corolla. 

Lolic,  a  prominent  division,  as  of  a  leaf,  p. 
1!). 

/<t»/v^//(YV/(;^  (dehiscence),  opening  down  the 
ba.^k  of  each  cell,  p.  4:5. 

Lyrate.,  lyre-shaped. 

Medullary  rayn,  cellular  tissue  connecting 
the  pith  and  growing  surface  of  the  stem, 
Fig.  34,  p.  14. 

Menorarp,  the  middle  layer  of  the  per  carp, 
p.  40. 

Micrapyle,  the  closed  orifice  of  the  seed,  p. 
45. 

md-vih,  p.  17. 

Mid-irin,  p.  17. 

Mired  inforemrnre,  p.  31. 

Monndelphmis  (stamens),  united  by  their 
lilanients  into  one  set,  p.  33. 

Mou(nidrn(x  (flower,  having  but  one 
stamen. 

Moniliform,  necklace-shaped. 

Monm'ioiiH  (plant',  one  with  staminate  aTid 
pistillate  flowers  on  the  samo  individ- 
ual, ])    30. 

MonogynotiK,  having  but  one  pistil. 


GLOSSARY    OR   DICTIONAUY    OF    BOTANICAL    TERMS. 


53 


MonopfUihiiK,  with  pi;tal.s  more  or  less 
imituil,  Fig.  no,  p.  •'>'2. 

MoiiosepalouH,  with  sepals  more  or  less  unit- 
ed, Fig.  fj;{,  p.  ;5I. 

JJucronate,  armed  with  a  small  sharp 
yoiiit. 

Mi'Hiioculdr,  many-celled. 

Nahul,  destitute  of  both  ealjx  and  corolla, 

p.  ;«. 
JSicrocn  (of  leaves),  p.  1 7. 
Net-mined  leacen,    common    to   exogenous 

plants,  p.  18. 
Ao(ie  (or  joint),  that  part  of  tho  stem  from 

which  a  leaf  or  leaves  .spring,  p.  U. 
Numerical  arrangement  (llower),  Figs.  04- 

00,  p.  155. 
Nut,    a   dry    indehiscent   fruit    having    a 

woody  or  bony  shell,  p.  43. 

Ochroleucov  ,  j  v  ''owish-white. 

Order  {oi  plants),  j).  47. 

Ocary,  the  organ  which  contains  the  ovules, 

Figs.  (!3,  75,  p.  ',)'■>. 
Oimlc,  the  rudimentary  seed,  Figs.  75,  77, 

78,  p.  33. 

Palmately  mmpoimd,  j).  20. 

Palmately  reined,  Fig.  18,  p.  19. 

PanicL,  a  compound  racemo,  p.  20. 

J'appiis,  a  tuft  of  bristles  o'- hairs  crowning 
the  achenia  of  the  CoiiqwHitU!.,  Fig.  8;2, 
p.  41.  ^ 

Piirallel-reined.  lea  rex,  common  to  endo- 
genous plants,  p.  18. 

Parietal  (placenta3),  attached  to  the  walls 
of  the  ovary. 

Piirted,  deeply  cut,  p.  20. 

Pedately  veined,  p.  19. 

Peduu'l,  a  secondary  peduncle. 

Pedunde,  a  branch  terminated  by  a  llower, 
p.  25. 

Pentar/ynoitH,  with  five  pistils  or  styles. 

PeutandroiiK,  with  live  stamens. 

Pepo,  the  fruit  of  the  gourd  family,  p.  41. 

Peremiial,  a  plant  which  lives  several  or 
many  year.",  p.  9. 

PerfeH  ;',->wer),  having  both  kinds  of  es- 
sentii' t,rgr.Ms,  p  37. 

Perfoliate,  a,  leaf  which  appears  to  be  per- 
forated by  the  stem,  }).  23. 

Perianth,  the  Uoral  envelopes. 


Perirarp,  tho  matured  ovary,  or  seed-ves- 
sel, p.  40. 
PeriiiynoHK,   petals  and    stamens   inserted 

upon  the  calyx,  Fig.-s.  09,  70,  p.  37. 
PcUdoid,    like   a  jietal  or  j)etals,  as  a  peta- 

loid  calyx. 
Petalx,  the  separate  leallets  of  the   corolla, 

p.  31. 
Petiole  (or  footstalk;,  tho  stem  of  a  leaf,  p. 

17. 
Piloxe,  hairy. 
Piniuv,    'nimary  branches  of  a  bii)innat<! 

or  tripi.iuate  leaf,  p.  21. 
Plnnatcly  eoiiiponiid,  p.  20. 
Pinnately  (or  feather)  reined.  Fig.  2(i,  p. 

18. 
P/nniileK,   secondary  branches  of   a  hipin- 

nate  or  tripinnalo  leaf,  p.  21. 
Pistil,   the    organ   which  is  fertilized  and 

bears  the  seeds.  Fig.  02,  p.  33. 
Pistillate    (llower),    one    with    pistils,    but 

without  stamens,  Fig.  47,  p.  30. 
Pitclicr,  p   22. 
l^'ith,  the  central  mass  of  cellular  tissue  of 

exogenous  stems.  Figs.  20,  21,  p.  13. 
Plicate,  plaited. 
Plumose,  feathery. 

Plumule,  the  rudimentary  bud  of  the  em- 
bryo, p.  45. 
PoUen,    the  fertilizing   element.    Fig.   70, 

pp.  32,  38. 
Pollen-tube,  Figs.  75,  78,  p.  38. 
Polyadelphous  (st.araens!,    \inited    by  their 

filaments  into  several  sets,  p.  33. 
Polygamous    (plants',     having    staminate, 

pistillate,    and    perfect    flowers  on  the 

sam(!  individual,  )).   30. 
Polypetalous,  with  petals  di?'anct.  Fig.  55, 

p.  32. 
PdlysejHilous,  with  sepals  distinct.  Fig.  52, 

p.  31. 
Pome,  the  apple,   pear,  and  similar  fruits, 

!      P-  41. 

Priclies,  sharp  elevations  of  the  bark. 

Primary  roots,  p.  5. 
;  Prostrate  stem,  one  which  lies  flat  on   the 
I      8;round. 

I  /•?'' -nt,  hairy  or  downy  with  soft  hairs. 

I  Pu'hii.ite,  dotted. 

I  Pu,t4imen,  the  stone  of  stone-fruits. 

Py.ris,  a  pod  which  opens  transver  iely,  Fig. 
92,  p.  44. 


54 


GLOSSARY    OR    mCTIONARY    OF    BOTANICAL    TER'^'S. 


Raceme,  an  infloresconce  with  nearly  tMiual 
secondary  axes  along  tlio  ju'lniary  one, 
Fig.  ;i8,  p.  ;2(i. 

Radiate,  I'urii'shcd  with  ray-llowers. 

limliail,  proceeding  from  tho  root,  as  radi- 
cal leaves. 

7iV  (Zj't'fc  (or  cauliclo),  the  s'  n  part  of  tlio 
embryo,  ]).  41. 

R<i>l,  tho  marginal  ilowers  of  a  head,  when 
•  lignlate  or  different  from  tho  others. 

lieceptarlc,  the  axis  or  suj)port  of  a  llower, 
p.  25. 

lieyular  (llower),  with  all  jiarts  of  each  set 
alike,  p.  IST. 

Jlpdiii!,  wavy-margined,  l^.  19. 

Itetiixe,  blunted  aTid  s^omewhat  indented. 

IIImcIUx,  the  axis  of  a  spike  or  other  body. 

Jihaoiiu!  {or  rootstoeki.  a  creeping  subter- 
ranean stem.  Fig.  15,  p.  11. 

Jiibs  (of  leaves),  p.  1 7. 

Jiiiii/<  iif,  gaping  open. 

Root,  pp.  4,  7. 

Jioot-hairs,  Fig.  14,  p.  8. 

Jtootiitork  (or  rhizome),  a  creeping  subter- 
ranean stem,  Fig.  15,  p.  11. 

JlotilniU',  beaked. 

Rotation  of  cropn,  p.  8. 

Jiuncinaie,  coar.sely  saw  tootlicd. 

Runner,  a  slender  jirostratu  branch,  root- 
ing at  the  end  or  joints. 

Hanui  rit.  (pv  key -fruit),  a  winged  achenium, 

Figs.  80,87,  p.  4:2. 
f!aivor(irj>,    a    thick,    fleshy    mosocarp,    p. 

40. 
Scabroiifi,  rough  to  the  touci.. 
S(ktles,  reduced  leaves,  p.  17. 
Scemdent,  climbing. 
Snipe,  a  i)edunclo  rising  from  the  ground 

or  near  it. 
Scarious,  thin,  dry,  and  membranous. 
San'poid  ei/ine  (or  raci'UKM,  Fig.  51,  p.  30. 
Scutellate,  saucer-shaped. 
Heeondanj  rcotK,  p.  (!. 
Secand,  one-sided,  as  a  one-sided  raceme. 
tked,  p.  44. 

Sepidx,  tlie  separate  leaflets  of  the  calyx. 
Sepfie/did.  (deliiscence),  cells  first  se[)arating 

from  each   other,  then    opening   along 

their  inner  margin,  p.  43. 
Set  wo  II H,  silky. 
Serrate,  saw-toothed,  Fig.  28,  p.  19. 


Sexsde,  without  a  stalk,  as  a  sessile  leaf, 
one  without  a  i)etiole,  p    17. 

Setaceous,  bristle-form. 

Sheathimj,  wrapped  aljout  the  stem. 

Shrulix,  woody  jilants  under  about  twenty 
feet  in  height,  p.  12. 

Silie.le,  a  short,  broad  silique,  p.    .3. 

Siliipie,  the  pod  of  the  Crucifrra;  Fig.  91, 
p.  43. 

Sim,pU  leaf.  Fig.  29,  p.  20. 

Simple  ston,  one  without  branches,  p.  10. 

Sinuate,  strongly  wavy,  Fig.  28,  p.  19. 

Spatlw,  a  bract  which  enfolds  an  inflo- 
rescence. 

Species,  p.  40. 

Spike,  an  inflorescence  with  flowers  sessile 
on  tho  primary  axis.  Figs.  43,  44,  p.  28. 

Spine,  a  thorn. 

Spores,  p.  40. 

S<juarrose,  with  thickly  set  scales,  leaves, 
or  other  a])pendages,  siireading  widely 
from  the  axi.s. 

<Sto»i(?rt,  Fig.  59,  p.  32. 

Stain  inn  fe  (flower),  one  with  stamens  but 
without  jiistils.  Fig.  4(),  p.  30. 

Standard,  the  upper  petal  of  i  papilionace- 
ous flower. 

Stem  (and  brunches),  p.  9. 

Stifjina,  the  part  of  the  jiistil  on  which  tho 
pollen  is  deposited.  Figs.  02,  75,  p.  34. 

Stipe,  the  stem  of  a  pistil  when  it  has 
any. 

Stipulate,  furnished  with  stijuiles. 

Stijiiiles,  appendages  at  tho  base  of  certain 
leaves.  Figs.  32-34,  p.  23. 

Stomata  (stoma,  singular),  the  breathing- 
pores  of  leaves.  Figs.  36, 37,  p.  24. 

Stone  fruit,  p.  41. 

Strict,  close  an<l  narrow. 

Strobile,  a  multiple,  cone-shaped  fruit,  like 
that  of  the  common  hop. 

Sti/le,  the  jiortion  of  the  jiistil  between  the 
ovary  and  stigma.  Fig.  62,  p.  34. 

Sidi-h-inijdoin  (of  plants),  p.  47. 

Succulent,  juicy. 

Suffruticose,  slightly  woody,  i:>.  13. 

Superior  (calyx),  enclosing  the  ovary,  Fig. 
71,  p.  37. 

Sijni metrical  (flower),  with  the  same  num- 
ber of  parts  in  each  set,  p.  37. 

Sj/nf/enesious  (stamens),  with  anthers  unit- 
ed -tito  one  set,  Figs.  00,  01,  p.  33. 


GLOSSARY    OR   DICTIONARY    OF    BOTANICAL    TERMS. 


OD 


J\i])-rot>f,  a  root  with  a  stout  tapering  body, 
Fig.  10,  p.  4. 

Teginen^  tho  iiiuer  seed  coat. 

Tendril,  a  modified  branch  or  leaf  xisedfor 
climbing. 

Teriniiial  bad,  tlio  bud  terminating  the 
main  stem  or  a  growing  brancli,  p.  10. 

Ternate,  in  threes. 

Tc^ita,  tlie  external  seed-coat,  p.  44. 

TetriulynanwuH,  having  six  stamens,  two 
of  them  shorter  tliaii  tlie  otlua-s. 

Thickened  fuscicled  tou/k,  Fig.  11,  p.  5. 

Throat,  the  point  where  the  tube  and  limb 
of  a  monosepalous  calyx  or  monopetal- 
ous  corolla  meet,  pp.  31,  32. 

Thi/VKC,  an  ovoid  panicle,  p.  26. 

Trading  skin,  one  which  runs  over  tho  sur- 
face of  the  ground  or  other  objects. 

Trees,  woody  plants  of  a  greater  height 
than  twenty  feet,  p.  12. 

Tri-pinndte,  thrice  pinnate. 

Truncate,  cut  off. 

Tvbe,  the  undivided  portion  of  a  mono- 
sepalous calyx  or  monopetalous  corolla, 
pp.  31,32. 

Tuber,  a  thickened,  bud-bearing  portion  .it 
&  subterranean  stem,  p.  12. 

Twining  stem,  one  which  climbs  by  twin- 
ing about  some  support,  p.  10. 

Umbel,  an  \imbrella  -  like  inflorescence. 
Figs.  41,  42,  p.  20. 


UnibclU't,  a  secondary  umbel,  p.  28. 

Uncinate,  hook-shaped. 

UneqaaUy  pinnati;  with  leaflets  in  pairs 
surmounted  by  an  odd  terminal  one, 
Fig.  30,  p.  21. 

Uugnicidate,  furnished  with  a  claw. 

Unisexiud,  having  stamens  or  pistils  only. 

Utricle,  an  achenium  with  a  loose,  blad- 
dery pericarp. 


Valnite,  opening  by  valves. 

Vain;  one  of  the  parts  of  a  dehiscent  pod 

or  similar  body  which  ojx'ns. 
Varietiis  (of  plants),  p.  47. 
Veinlets  (of  leaves),  p.  17. 
Veins  (of  leaves',  p.  17. 
Venation,  the  veining  of  leaves,  p.  17. 
Ventricose,  inflated  on  one  side. 
Verrucose,  warty. 
Versatile  (anther),  attached  at  its  middle  so 

as  to  turn  easily,  p.  33. 
VerticU,  a  whorl. 
Vertieillate  branches,  p.  10. 
Vessels  (or  ducts),  Fig.  23,  p.  14. 
Vcnllnm,  the  standard   of  i)apiliouacoou.-j 

flowers. 
Villosc,  shaggy  with  long,  soft  hairs. 


Wood,  Figs.  22,  23,  p.  13. 

'Woody,  having  the  texture  of  wood,  p.  12. 


MEDICINAL    PLANTS 


OF 


NOliTlI  AMERICA. 


PH^NOGAMOUS  OR  FLOWERING  PLANTS. 


CL.iSS    I.  —  DICOTYLEDONOUS    OR    EXOGENOUS    PLANTS. 

Stems  with  bark,  wood,  and  jntli  tlistinct ;  wlien  perennial,  increasing 
in  size  by  the  annual  addition  of  a  layer  of  wood  outside  that  already 
formed.  Leaves  net-veined.  Parts  of  the  flower  commonly  in  lives  or 
fours.  Embryo  with  two  cotyledons,  or  seed-leaves,  rarely  with  several  in 
a  whorl. 

Division   I. — Polypetalous   Exogenous   Piants. 

Flowers  with  both  calyx  and  corolla,  the  latter  absent  in  only  a  few 
genera  and  species.     Petals  each  separate  and.  distinct. 

« 

RANUNCULACE/E. 

Gharacler  of  the  Order. — Calyx :  sepals  3  to  6,  generally  5,  distinct, 
usually  deciduous,  and,  except  in  clematis,  imbricated  in  the  bud.  Corolla  : 
petals  3  to  15,  occasionally  irregular  or  deformed,  and  som(;timcs  absent. 
In  the  latter  case  the  sepals  are  usually  colored,  and  petal-like.  Stamens 
indefinite,  distinct,  very  rarely  few  and  definite.  Ovaries  numerous,  rarely 
few  or  solitary,  distiiict.  Ovules  solitary  or  several,  inverted.  Fruit  either 
achenia,  seed-like,  dry  follicles,  or  berries  ;  seeds  solitary  or  several.  Em- 
bryo minute,  at  the  base  of  fleshy  or  horny  albumen. 

Herbs,  rarely  shrubs,  occasionally  shrubby  climbing  plants.  Leaves 
alternate,  opposite  in  clematis,  variously  divided,  without  stipules. 

Ahnost  the  entire  order  is  characterized  by  a  colorless,  acrid,  and  often 
poisonous  juice.     The  acrid  principle  is,  however,  generally  volatile,  and 


58 


liANUNCULACE^. 


is  often  entirely  diHsipatrd  in  the  process  of  (Irving.  Occasionally,  as  in 
aconite,  the  active  principle  is  stored  up  more  abundantly  and  permanently 
in  a  tuberous  root. 

Though  the  ranunculacejc  ai'e  represented  in  the  United  States  by  a 
comparatively  large  number  of  genera  and  species,  few  of  these  have  as  yet 
been  found  worth}'^  a  place  in  the  Pharmacopcoia.  Doubtless  fuither  care- 
ful investigation  in  this  tield  may  yield  important  results. 


CLEMATIS.  — ViKGiis'ti-BowER. 


Char  zr  of  the  Genu^'. — Calyx  :  sejials  4,  rarely  more,  colored,  pctaloid, 
the  val\..te  margins  turned  inwai-d  in  the  bud.  Corolla  none,  or,  if 
present,  the  petals  small.  Stamens  indefinite  in  iiundK'r,  distinct.  Ova- 
ries numerous,  distinct.  Acheuia  in  a  head  bearing  the  persistent  styles 
as  naked,  hairy,  or  plumose  tails. 

Pex'ennial,  herbaceous  or  slightly  Avoody  plants,  generally  climbing  by 
means  of  their  leaf-stalks  ;  occasionally  low  and  erect.     Leaves  opposite. 
Clematis  Viorna  Linne.' — Lculhcr-F/ower. 

Lh'Hcripiion. — Cah'x  ovate,  at   length  bell-shaped,  the  purjilish  sepals 

very  thick  and  leatheiy,  tipped  with 
short  recurved  points.  Corolla  wanting. 
The  long  tails  of  the  fruit  very  plumose. 
An  herbaceous  climber.  Leaves 
l)innate  ;  leaflets  3  to  7,  ovate  or  oblong, 
soujetimes  slightly  cordate,  2-  to  3-lobed 
or  entire  ;  the  uppermost  often  simple. 
Peduncles  bearing  single,  large,  nod- 
ding flowers,  which  appear  from  May  to 
August. 

JlabihU. — 1\\  rich  soil  from  Pennsyl- 
vania to  Ohio  and  southward. 

Clematis  VirginianaLinne. — Com- 
mon Vi7'gin\s-Boivnr. 

I)esc7'ij}lk»i. — Flowers  polygamo-di- 
oecious.  Cnlvx:  sepals  small,  obovate^ 
spreading,  white.  Corolla  wanting.  Fruit 
with  conspicuous  feathery  tails.  An  her- 
baceous perennial.  Stem  crlimbing  and 
running  freely  over  shrubs,  fences,  etc.  Leaves  ternate  ;  leaflets  ovate, 
acute,  cut  or  lobed,  somewhat  cordate  at  the  base.  Flowers  in  axillary 
panicled  clusters,  appearing  in  August. 

Habitat.— On  the  alluvial  banks  of  streams  and  along  fences;  common 
from  Canada  to  Florida. 


''^^s!^, 


Pio.  9f).— CloniatiK  Virginiana. 


ANEMONE — WIND-FLOWER.  59 

Parts  Vscd. — The  fresh  leaves,  flowers,  and  stem — not  official. 

Cu nut Uuc Ills, — Tlio  above-described  species  of  clematis,  as  well  as  many 
others,  both  iudigeuous  and  foreign,  jjossess  an  acrid  principle  whose  ex- 
act nature  is  as  yet  undetermined.  It  is  of  a  volatile  character,  however, 
and  is  dissipated  by  heat,  and  in  the  process  of  drying  the  jjlants. 

PrcparatioHH. — Alcohol  is  a  solvent  for  the  active  jjrincipki  of  clematis, 
and  an  alcoholic  tincture  of  the  fresh  plant  the  best  lireparation. 

Medical  PropcrtifH  and  t'scs. — Clematis  appears  to  be  little  more  than 
an  acrid  irritant.  Applied  externally,  the  leaves  of  some  species  strongly 
irritate  and  even  vesi(!ate  the  skin.  Administered  internally,  in  small 
doses,  it  may  produce  diuresis  and  diaphoresis  ;  in  large  doses,  active 
purgation.  It  has  been  employed  in  syphilis,  scrofula,  chronic  rheuma- 
tism, etc.,  but  without  ever  attaining  an  established  reputation.  It  is  used 
at  i^resent  almost  exclusively  Ijy  homoeopathic  practitioners. 

ANEMONi;.— WiND-Fi.owEB. 

Character  of  the  GenuK — Calyx  :  sepals  many,  distinct,  petaloid.  Corolla 
none,  or  with  petals  resembling  abortive  stamens.  Stamens  numerous, 
distinct.  Ovaries  numerous,  distinct.  Achenia  pointed  or  tailed,  llat^ 
teued,  not  ribbed. 

Perennial  herbs,  with  radical  leaves,  those  of  the  stem  two  or  three 
together,  forming  an  involucre  some  distance  below  the  flower. 

Anemone  patens  Linne,  var.  Nuttal liana  Gray. — Patiquc-Floiver. 

l)c!icrij)lion. — Calyx:  sepals  0,  purplish  or  white,  l.V  in(^h  long,  spread- 
ing. Stem  simple,  erect,  naked  except  the  involucre,  bearing  a  single  ter- 
minal llower  which  develops  in  advance  of  the  leaves.  Leaves  ternately 
divided,  the  lateral  divisions  2-parted,  the  middle  one  stalked,  S-j^arted, 
the  .segments  deeply  once  or  twice  ch  't  into  narrowly  linear  and  acute 
lobes.  Lobes  of  the  involucre  like  those  of  the  leaves,  united  at  the  base 
into  a  shallow  cup.  The  entire  plant  is  villous  Avith  long  silky  hairs.  It 
blooms  in  March  and  April. 

Habitat. — In  prairie  regions  from  Illinois  westward  and  northward. 

Part  U>-:('d. — The  herb — United  States  Pharmacopami.  The  official  name, 
PaUatilla,  includes  the  herb  not  only  of  this  plant  but  of  .1.  pulmlilla  and 
A.  ■pratenf^i.H  also. 

Cunxtiluejds. — All  parts  of  the  fre.sh  plant  are  extremely  acrid  ;  applied 
to  the  skin  it  causes  irritation  and  even  vesication.  This  acrid  property 
in  diminished  or  wholly  lost  by  drying  and  long  keeping ;  hence  to  be  effi- 
cacious it  should  be  used  as  fresh  as  possible,  or  at  least  jjreparations  made 
from  the  recent  plant  should  be  employed.  The  acridity  of  pulsatilla  is 
due  to  the  presence  of  aneninnin,  a  crystalline  substance  which  is  exceed- 
ingly liable  to  change  and  is  destroyed  by  heat. 

Preparations. — None  are  official.  An  alcoholic  tinctui-e  of  the  fresh 
l)lant  is  reliable. 


60 


BANUNCULACEyE. 


Medical  Properties  and  Uaes. — Pulsatilla  is  an  acrid  irritant  wlncb,  in 
lurj^o  closes,  has  often  produced  serious  and  ularniing  ellects.  In  safe 
luedicinul  doses,  however,  its  effects  are  by  no  means  so  Avell  known.  At 
various  times  and  by  numei'ous  authors  it  has  been  highly  praised  as  u 
remedy  in  diseases  of  the  eye,  in  rheumatism,  amenorrhoea,  dysmenorrhoia, 
et(!.  In  this  country  it  has  been  employed  chielly  by  homoeoi^athic  prac- 
titioners, and  usually  in  very  nuuute  doses.  IMuny  of  the  residts  claimed 
for  it  under  such  circumstances  are  at  leiist  doubtful.  Certain  it  is  that 
other  practitioners  have  not  been  able  to  cunlirm  them.    A  few  years  since 


Pio.  97. — Anemone  patens,  var.  Nuttnlliana. 

it  was  highly  recommended  as  a  remedy  in  gonorrhocal  epididymitis,  and 
many  cases  were  recorded  tending  to  prove  its  eflicacy,  but  subsequently 
cases  treated  without  medicine  were  shown  to  make  quite  as  satisfactory 
progress.  The  author  has  employed  it  in  a  immber  of  cases  of  this  affection 
but  without  any  apparent  effect.  He  has  also  employed  it  in  numerous 
cases  of  dysmenorrhea,  generally  of  hysterical  subjects,  and  though  he  has 
frequently  observed  decided  relief  from  pain  during  one  or  two  menstrual 
pei'iods,  he  is  moi*e  inclined  to  attribute  this  to  the  mental  and  moral  effect 
of  a  new  remedy  given  with  the  positive  assurance  that  relief  w  ould  follow. 


RANUNCULUS — CIIOWFOOT — BUTTERCUP.  Gi 

than  to  tlio  mrdicinal  effect  of  tlic  drug.  For  in  some  instances,  after 
Pulsatilla  had  lost  its  ell'oct,  a  new  dni<^ — it  has  appeared  to  matter  little 
jtist  which  one — has  again  given  temporary  relief. 

As  a  remedy  in  rheumatism,  dropsy,  paralysis,  etc.,  pulsatilla  does  not 
ro(juire  serions  attention.  That  its  acrid  and  irritating  properties  might 
be  made  available  in  stimulating  excretion  is  possible,  but  our  knowledge 
is  at  present  too  limited  to  establish  the  point,  and  other  better  known 
agents  are  always  at  hand. 

IIEPATICA.— LrvEUWoiiT. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Involucre  of  3  leaflets  placed  close  to  and 
enveloping  the  flower  bud,  but  becoming  more  distant  after  expansion  by 
the  growth  of  the  intervening  portion  of  the  scape  ;  otherwise  similar  to 
anemone,  of  which  genus  many  t)otanists  consider  this  only  a  section.  The 
name  hepatica  has,  however,  become  so  well  known  that  it  ought  to  be  re- 
tained for  sentimental,  if  not  for  scientific!  reasons. 

Perennial  herbs,  with  a  short  rootstock  and  numerous  strong  fibrous 
rootlets.  Leaves  all  radical,  of  a  thick  leathery  texture,  persisting  through 
the  winter,  the  new  ones  appearing  after  the  flowers,  the  old  ones  then 
withering  away.  The  mature  leaves  have  a  dark  brownish  color,  variegated 
with  irregular  lightci'-colored  spots,  somewhat  resembling  that  of  the  liver, 
whence  the  connnon  name.  Flowers  numerous,  on  slender  hairy  scapes, 
each  bearing  a  single  one.  They  appear  early  in  spring,  soon  after  the 
snow  is  gone. 

Hepatica  triloba  Chaix. — Ronnd-lohed  ITejMica. 

Deacription. — Sepals  G  to  9,  white,  purplish,  or  blue.  Leaves  with  3 
rounded,  obtuse  lobes ;  leaflets  of  the  involucre  also  obtuse. 

Ifahitut. — In  ujjland  woods  ;  common  botli  liere  and  in  pjurope. 

Hepatica  acutiloba  De  Candolle. — Sharp-lobed  Hepatica. 

Desci'iption. — Sepals  7  to  12,  white,  pinkish,  or  pale  purple.  Leaves  with 
'i)  acute  or  pointed  lobes ;  occasionally  5-lobed  ;  leaflets  of  the  involucre 
also  acute. 

Habitat. — Widely  distributed,  like  the  preceding,  but  less  common. 

Pai'l  Used. — The  leaves — not  oflicial. 

Condiluents. — Common  vegetable  principles,  such  as  mucilage,  sugar, 
tannin,  etc. 

PrejMi'ations. — Used  in  decoction  and  syruji. 

Medical  Propertic-i  and  Cses. — As  a  medicine  hepatica  is  wholly  inert, 
and  unworthy  a  place  in  the  materia  medica. 

^_  .  ^  RANUNCULUS. — CuowFOOT.— Buttercup. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Calyx:  sepals  generally  5,  sometimes  but  3. 
Corolla  :  petals  generally  5,  sometimes  moi'e,  occasionally  but  3.     Stamens 


G2  TIANUNCULACE.E. 

ooinmonly  ninnorons,  oooaslouiilly  few,  always  distinct.     Ovaries  numer- 
ous, distinct..     Ac^luMiia  a<j;;^"rej^!it(Hl  in  a  head. 

Annual  or  pcrciuiial  li(!rhs,  with  alternate  stem-leavca  Flowers  solitary 
or  corynibed,  generally  y(;llow,  soinetinies  white. 

All  the  ranunculi  possess  an  acrid  principle  of  a  volatile  nature  ;  few  of 
them  have  been  used  medicinally. 

Ranunculus  bulbosus  Lmm''.—  Ihdhnn.-^  Cronfoot  or  linffi'rcup. 

Drwn'plioii. — Cilyx  :  scpids  5,  smaller  than  the  jx'tals,  relloxed.  Co- 
rolla: petals  5  to  7,  round,  wedf^e-shaped  V)elow,  witli  a  small  scale  at  the 
base,  deep,  shining  yellow.  Aehenia  with  a  short  beak,  collected  in  a 
globular  head. 

A  perennial  herb  growing  erect  from  a  bulbous  base  ;  leaves  and  stem 
haiiy.  Radical  leaves  ternately  divided,  the  lateral  divisions  sessile,  the 
terminal  stalked  and  H-partod,  the  divisions  wedge-shaped,  cut,  and  tooiliod. 
Flowers  solitary,  large,  on  long  furrowed  peduncles  ;  they  aj^pear  through- 
out tlie  summer. 

Ilahifat. — A  native  of  Eurojie  ;  naturalized  in  the  Northern  Atlantic 
States,  growing  in  meadows  and  pastures. 

Ranunculus  repens  Linm'-. — Cn-cpiiu/  (Jroufonf. 

Ih'^ivriiilion. — C'alyx  :  sepals  5,  spreading,  smaller  than  the  petals. 
Corolla  :  petals  5,  obovate,  witli  a  small  scale  at  the  base,  bright  yellow. 
Carpels  strongly  margined,  pointed  by  a  stout,  nearly  straight  beak,  col- 
lected in  a  globidar  head. 

A  low  perennial,  hairy  or  nearly  smooth,  with  the  stem  ascending,  or 
creeping  along  the  groiind.  Leaves  ternately  divided,  the  divisions  mostly 
stalked,  wedge-shaped  or  ovate,  unequally  3-cleft  or  parted,  and  variously 
cut.     Peduncles  furrowed.     It  blooms  throughout  the  summer. 

Ilahital. — In  wet  shadj^  places  ;  common. 

Ranunculus  acrls  Linm'.— 7)///  Crowfoot. 

Ddicriplion. — Calyx  :  sepals  5,  spreading,  shorter  than  the  jietals,  yel- 
lowish-green. Corolla :  petals  5,  nearly  as  large"  as  those  of  11.  bn/hosuft, 
with  a  scale  at  the  base,  bright  yellow.  Carpels  ovate,  comi^ressed,  smooth, 
in  a  globidar  head. 

A  perennial  herb.  Stem  erect,  2  to  3  feet  high,  hairy.  Leaves  mostly 
stalked,  deeply  divided  into  3,  5,  or  7  palmate  segments,  which  are  cut 
into  lanceolate  or  linear  acute  lobes.  Peduncles  round,  not  furrowed.  It 
blooms  in  summer. 

Habitat. — A  native  of  Euroi^e  ;  naturalized  here,  and  common  in  mead- 
ows, pastures,  and  waste  places. 

Ranunculus  sceleratus  Linne.— Citr.sccZ  Croxcfoot. 

DcHcriptio)}. — Calyx  :  sepals  5,  small.  Corolla :  petals  5.  Scarcely 
larger  than  the  sepals,  pale  yellow.  Caz'pels  numerous,  in  oblong  cylin- 
drical heads. 

A  smooth  perennial  herb.      Stem  erect,  1  foot   high,  thick,  hollow. 


RANUNCULUS — CROWFOOT — BUTTEIICUP.  03 

Lower  leavci=?  potiolcd,  dividod  into  .T  or  more  obtusely  toothed  or  lobed 
segments.     It  blooms  duriiifjf  Hiimmer. 

Halntcl. — 111  pools  mid  ditches  ;  eoininon  both  liero  and  in  Europe. 

The  111/  n'e-doscribed  species  of  ranunculus  are  the  most  important  oi 
the  genus,  though  many  others  possess  nearly  identical  pnjperties. 

Part  Used. — The  luu-b — not  official. 

Constituents. — Tlie  ranunculi  arc  all  more  or  less  acrid,  some  of  them 
extremely  so.  Little  is  known  of  the  acrid  principle,  savt;  that  it  is 
volatile,  and  is  diiiiinishctl  or  entirely  lost  by  drying  and  long  keeping. 

Preparations. — Used  only  in  the  fresh  state. 

Mcdiral  I'ropei'tie.H  and  Uses. — The  ranunculi  are  too  acrid  to  render 
their  internal  use  either  desirable  or  safe.  Most  of  them  are  avoided  by 
domestic  animals ;  one  may  often  see  II.  arris,  for  example,  growing  lux- 
uriantly in  pastures  where  almost  every  blade  of  grass  is  cropped  close. 
Their  acrid  properties  have,  however,  led  to  their  employment  externally  as 
rubefacients  or  vesicants  in  cases  where  other  and  perhaps  better  agents 
were  not  at  hand,  or  were  for  any  reason  contra-indicated.  As  is  well 
known,  cases  of  idiosyncrasy  occur  in  whicli  cantharides  arc  inadmissibL 
on  account  of  their  effect  upon  the  urinary  organs.  In  some  such  cases 
ranunculus  has  been  used  with  good  eti'ect.  One  of  the  faults  of  this  agent 
is  its  extreme  violence.  The  fresh  plant,  bruised  and  applied  to  the  skin, 
may  vesicate  in  an  hour  or  hour  and  a  half,  and  may  possibly  produce  au 
ulcer  not  easy  to  heal.  It  is,  therefore,  far  less  safe  as  a  rubefacient  than 
mustard,  and,  as  a  rule,  much  less  desirable  as  a  vesicant  than  cantliarides. 
It  has  been  emplo^'ed  to  some  extent  in  European  (tountries  us  an  external 
application  in  chronic  rheumatism,  neuralgia,  etc.,  but  never  sufficiently  to 
have  obtained  a  place  in  the  pharmacoijceias.  In  this  country  it  is  used 
still  less,  and  is  little  more  than  mentioned  in  works  on  materia  medica. 

An  interesting  observation  regarding  the  possible  eftect  of  li.  acris  on 
pregnant  cows  was  reported  to  the  author  by  his  brother,  Mr.  F.  'SI.  John- 
son. In  a  herd  of  cows  pastured  for  years  in  succession  in  an  old  field 
thickly  beset  with  this  weed,  abortion  was  frequent  and  troublesome.  As 
soon,  however,  as  this  pasture  was  broken  up  and  the  herd  moved  to  an- 
other part  of  the  farm  in  which  the  plant  did  not  grow,  abortion  dis- 
appeared. Now  although,  as  stated  above,  domestic  animals  avoid  tliis 
plant,  yet  when  feeding  where  it  is  very  al)undant,  they  must  occasionally 
swallow  it  accidentally  ;  and  though  there  is  no  positive  proof  that  the  abor- 
tions were  due  to  the  plant  in  question,  the  facts  as  stated  are  interesting 
and  significant.  It  is  at  least  possible  that  ranunculus  exerts  an  influence 
upon  the  reproductive  organs  like  that  which  is  claimed  by  some  for 
Pulsatilla. 


04  llANUNCULACE.i:. 


COi'TlH, 


Coptis  trifolia  Salishnry. — (Inhllhrcad. 

JtrKiripliun,  —  Calyx:  sopiils  T)  to  7,  potal-lilco,  wliito,  dopiduous.  Corolln  : 
l)etiils  5  to  7,  sniiillor  than  tlio  sopjils,  cliib-sliapcd,  yullow  at  the  baso,  liullow 
at  tho  npox.  StainnuH  15  lo  25,  liypogynouH.  PintilH  !}  to  10,  on  hIcikIci- 
HtallvH.  Cai)suU),s  stcllatoly  divorf^in^',  stalked,  obloiijjf,  coinprossed,  acu- 
miiiato  with  tho  porsistoiit  style,  4-  to  8-seodod.  Soeds  obloiijjf,  1)lack, 
Hiiiooth,  and  Hhiniii^. 

A  small  poroiiiiial,  with  cvorj^roou  loaves  arisiiijjf  from  a  horizontal  rhi- 
zome; which  sends  oil"  in  every  direetion  lon<^  slender  libres  of  a  bright 
yellow  color,  wheneo  the  common  name  of  (johUhrcad.  Leaves  Kmootli, 
voiTiy,  somewhat  coriaceous,  all  radical,  on  lon{»  petioles,  ternately  divided, 
tho  leaflets  about  an  inch  long,  romidish,  acute  at  tho  base,  lobed  and 
<'renato,  the  crenaturos  acuminate.  Scape  slender,  round,  bearing  one 
starry-white  flowei",  about  two-thirds  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  a  minute 
ovate,  acute  bi-act  some  distance  below  it.     Blooms  in  May. 

Habitat. — Swamps  and  bogs  from  Canada  and  the  Northeni  United 
States  southward  along  tho  mountains  to  ^laiyland. 

Part.-f  L'si.v/. — The  whole  plant  may  be  employed,  but  the  rhizomes  and 
rootlets  are  chiotlv  used.  Formerlv  official,  it  has  been  discarded  from  the 
United  States  Pliarmacopoiia. 

Constituentti. — Goldtln-ead  has  a  strongly  bitter  taste,  tniattended  with 
astringency.  Its  most  important  constituent  is  bcrherina  ;  another  alka- 
loid, coptiiia,  exists  in  small  proportion.  The  latter  appears  to  bear  some 
analogy  to  In'drastia.     It  contains  neither  tannic  nor  gallic  acid. 

J'ri'pardfioux. — Tiiere  are  no  otHcial  preparations  of  this  plant.  It 
yields  its  virtues  to  alcohol  and  to  water.  Tho  alcoholic  tincture  is  of  a 
beautiful  yellow  color,  and  in  cases  where  alcohol  is  not  contra-indicated, 
may  be  employed  as  fully  representing  the  drug.  An  infixsion  is  also 
efficient. 

Mrdival  Propertia^  and  fTxcs. — Analysis  proves  goldthread  to  be  a  pure 
and  simple  bitter.  Clinically  it  acts  like  calumba,  quassia,  and  other 
drugs  of  this  class.  It  was  formerly  much  used  as  a  wash  for  aphthous 
isOJ'e  mouth,  exerting  in  this  instance  an  influence  like  that  of  hydrastis. 
As  ft  tonic  during  convalescence,  and  in  weakened  condition  of  the  di- 
gestive organs,  it  may  be  substituted  for  calumba,  quassia,  etc.,  as  oc- 
casion requires. 

HYDRASTIS. 

Hydrastis  Canadensis  Linnc. — Golden  Seal,  Yellow-Root,  Yelloxo 
Puocoon, 

Description. — Calyx  :  sepals  3,  small,  petal-like,  of  a  pale  I'ose-color, 
falling  away  soon  after  the  flower  expands.     Corolla  absent.     Stamens 


IIYDKASTIS.  G5 

vory  mnnorous,  liypn<»ynoua,  linciir-Hpatulato  ;  authors  (wal,  iniiatp.  Ova- 
ries 12  or  mure,  'J-ovulod  ;  styles  sliort,  Hti^nuus  diluted,  'J-lippud,  iudupli- 
ciito.  Fruit  ;i  crimson  head  of  l)ivcciito  1-  or  2-seodod  carpels,  siicculout, 
unci  resembliny;  a  largo  raspberry.  Seeils  obovato  ;  testa  crustaceoiis, 
nearly  blaek,  shining,  lined  with  a  thin  membranaceous  togmen. 

An  herb.iccoiis  perennial,  with  a  hori/oiital  rhizome,  from  whieh  is  sent 
up  in  (tarly  sprin;^  a  simphi  hairy  stem  (5  to  12  inches  high,  bearing  two 
leaves,  and,  at  its  summit,  a  singh)  llower.  There  is  gcsnerally  also  a  single 
radical  leaf  on  a  long  petiole.  The  leaves  are  palmately  JU  to  .T-lobed,  the 
lobes  acute,  unequally  serrate  ;  the  lower  caulino  leaf  petiolate,  the  upper 
sessile.  The  leaves,  at  the  time  of  Howering,  are  small  and  not  fully  ex- 
panded, but  subsocpiently  they  increase  much  in  size,  ultimately  attaining 
a  width  of  5  to  (5  inclu^s. 

The  rhizome  is  one-half  inch  to  2  inches  in  length,  from  one-eighth  to  one- 
half  inch  in  diameter,  simple,  or  with  a  few  short  brancihes,  terminated  by 
a  broad  scar,  longitudinally  wrinkknl,  annulate  from  leaf  scars,  and  bearing, 
especially  below,  mimerous  small  iibrous  roots.  Both  rhizome  and  roots 
are  of  a  yellow  color,  and  have  an  intensely  bitter  taste,  without  astvingcuicy. 

Ilabitct. — Canada  to  Carolina  and  westward.  Hare  east  of  the  AUe- 
ghanies,  more  commou  along  these  mountains  and  west  of  them.  Grows 
in  rich  moist  woods. 

Partii  Used. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets — UnUed  Sfatoi  Pharinacopma. 

CoHslitiicnts. — The  most  important  constituents  of  hydrastis  are  two 
alkaloids,  viz.  :  (1)  iLijdrai'lia,  a  white  crystalline  body,  tasteless  at  tirst, 
but  eventually  imparting  an  acriil  sensation  to  the  tongue  and  fauces — 
not  bitter,  as  sometimes  erroneously  stated  ;  (2)  bcrberina,  which  is  in  yel- 
low needle-shajiod  crystals  and  has  an  intensely  bitter  taste.  The  latter 
alkidoid  is  found  in  numerous  plants  of  the  orders  Jicrhcridacen',  llanan- 
cidaccic,  Jrimix2)('>'inartw,  etc.  B3Hides  these  alkaloids,  hydrastis  contains 
starch,  sugar,  etc.,  and  traces  of  a  third  alkaloiil,  which,  however,  exists  in 
such  small  proportion  as  to  be  of  no  practical  importance.  The  article  long 
known  as  hi/drastm,  and  extensively  used,  chielly  by  eclectic  practitioners, 
is  an  impui'e  hydrochlorato  (muriate)  of  berbei'ina.  Both  hydrastia  and 
berberina  unite  with  acids  to  form  salts,  and  it  is  in  the  form  of  salts  that, 
they  are  usually  employed. 

Prejxiralioiis. — Extractum  hydrastis  fluidum — fluid   extract  of  hydras-- 
tis  ;  tinctura   hydrastis — tincture  of  hydrastis. — L'aited   Stales  Pliannaco'- 
piela.     In  certain  cases  where  it  is  desirable  to  employ  large  doses,  the 
alkaloids  or  their  salts  are  more  eligible. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Numerous  and  diverse  properties  have 
been  attributed  to  hydrastis,  so  much  so,  indeed,  that  there  is  little  agree- 
ment among  different  authors  upon  the  subject.  That  it  is  a  i^owerful 
tonic  all  admit,  and  it  is  probable  that  to  its  tonic  action  alone  are  due  the 
many  widely  diliereut  eiTects  observed  by  those  who  have  written  upon. 


66  KA:^  UNCULACEyE. 

the  drug.  It  has  been  used  successfully  as  a  substitute  for  quinine  in  the 
treatment  of  intorniittcnts,  in  convalescence  from  acute  disease,  and  in 
general  where  a  vegot.'d)le  tonic  is  indicated.  This  fact  is  wortlij  of  vf.. 
membrance,  since  there  are  numerous  instances  in  which  quinine  is  indi- 
cated but  (tannot  be  employed  on  account  of  idiosyncrasy.  It  is  not, 
however,  as  a  substitute  for  <juinine  that  hych'astis  has  been  most  em- 
ployed or  has  g.dned  its  greatest  reputation.  It  seems  to  exert  an  es- 
pecially .onic  iuHuenco  iipoa  mucous  surfaces,  and  has  been  tniploytnl 
bcnvjlicially  in  a  great  variety  of  catarrhal  aflbctions.  Prior  to  its  use  in 
scientihc  medicine  it  had  been  employed  by  the  aborigines  as  a  topical  ap- 
plication in  catan-hal  alfections  of  the  eyea  and  as  a  stimulant  to  old 
ulcers.  It  is  still  used  with  benefit  in  such  cases,  lU'd  in  chronic  coryza, 
in  gonorrluiv.i,  leucorrhoea,  hemorrhoids,  and  prohipsus  an'  Tha+,  it 
exerts  an  intluence  upon  the  liver  seems  well  demonstrated,  and  it  has 
been  used  with  benetit  in  tori)id  conditions  of  this  organ,  and  in  catarrhal 
inflannnation  of  the  gall-bladder  and  gall-duct.  Though  not  directly 
cathartic  in  its  action,  in  certain  cases  of  habitual  constipation  it  jjroduces 
a  laxative  ett'ect.  It  has  been  employed  beneficially  in  glandular  swell- 
ings, luidoubtedly  tlu'ough  its  general  tonic  power,  and  hence  has  prol> 
ably  derived  its  undeserved  reputation  as  a  remedy  for  cancer. 

XANTHORHIZA. 

Xanthorhiza  apiifollaL'Heritier. — Yelhic-Root,  Shrub  Ydloio-Poot. 

l)t;Mrii>li()ii. — Calyx:  sepals  5,  petal-like,  deciduous,  spreading,  ovate- 
acuminate,  brownish-purple.  Corolla :  petals  5,  very  small,  2-lobed,  ele- 
vated upon  a  claw,  coloied  like  the  sepals.  Stamens  5  to  10,  hypogynous, 
filaments  thick,  purple,  anthers  adnate.  Ovaries  5  t(»  15,  each  bearing  two 
pejidulous  ovules  attached  to  the  middle.  Pods  l-iieeded,  oblong,  the  style 
becoming  lateral  during  development. 

A  sLruljby  perennial,  1  to  3  fecc  high,  with  a  large  rootstock  and  numer- 
ous round,  sliglitly  bi'anched  stems..  Outer  bark  gra\-,  smooth,  and  shin- 
ing ;  witliiu  bright  yehow.  Leaves  alternate,  unequally  1-  to  2-piunaTe,  on 
long  stalk?.  Leaflets  in  two  pairs  with  an  odd  terminal  oiie,  2  to  3  inches 
long,  rhondjoid-ovate  or  lanceolate,  tapering  at  the  base,  sessile,  incisely 
lobed  and  dentate,  smooth,  dai'k  green  above,  lighter  beneath  Flowers 
polygamous,  in  long,  droo')ing  compound  racemes,  appearing  from  April 
to  June.  The  rootstocl  is  from  3  inches  to  1  foe  or  more  in  length,  from 
one-eighth  to  one-half  inch  in  thickness,  i^ore  or  less  branched,  yelloAvisb- 
brown  externally,  internaUy  of  r.  deep  yellow,  aul  ha\'ing  an  exceedingly 
oitter  taste. 

HahiidL — Central  New  York  (one  station  only)  to  the  middle  and  upper 
districts  of  the  Caroliuas  and  Georgia,  cluefiy  along  the  uLouutaius  and 
highlands. 


XANTIIORIIIZA. 


67 


Parts  Used. — The  rliizome  and  roots.  Formerly  official,  it  has  been 
cliscarded  from  the  United  States  Pharmacopdiia. 

(Jo)istifueiits. — No  exact  analysis  seems  to  have  been  made  of  this  plant, 
though  it  has  been  shown  to  contain  berhcrina  in  small  proportion,  and 
probably  to  this  it  owes,  in  a  great  measiu'e,  its  bitterness  and  tonic  prop- 
erties. 

Prcjyarations. — There  are  no  official  prepavarions  of  yellow-root.  It 
yields  its  virtues  to  both  water  and  alcohol,  and  may  he  employed  in  tinct- 


Fia.  98.— Xanthorhiza  apiifolla. 

lU'o,  decoction,  infusion,  or  even  in  powder,  tliough  in  the  latter  fonn  it 
would  bo  difficult  to  adminioter  it  in  efficient  doses. 

Medical  Properties  and  f'scs.  — Liko  hydrastis  and  copt"s,  both  of  which 
it  resembles  in  respect  to  constituents,  xanthorhiza  possesses  simple 
bitter  tonic  properties.  It  has,  liowever,  a  much  smaller  pcrcentafre  )f 
borberina  than  either  of  them,  and  so  far  ap,  this  alkaloid  goes,  should 
tliorofore  be  less  efficient  when  aduijiistered  in  like  doses.  It  has  been 
employed  chietly  as  a  domestic  remedy,  but  some  comijetent  observers 
esteem  it  more  highly  than  either  gentian  or  calumba. 


C8  KANUNCULACEiE. 

Cimicifuga  racemosa  Elliott  {Actcm  racemosa  Linne,  Macrolys  ser- 
penlaria  Eatou). — JilacL  SnaLerovt,  Jllavlc  Cohosh,  Jhujbane,  Squaw  Moot. 

DfHcriptioi). — Calyx  :  .sepals  4,  iu  Duirs,  the  inner  pair  smaller,  white, 
falling  soon  after  the  flower  expands.  Corolla  :  petals  4  to  G,  small,  stamen- 
like, ou  claws,  2-hornecl  at  the  apex.  Stameus  numerous,  Avith  slender  white 
liliuneuts,  hyi)Ogyiious  ;  anthers  adnate.  Ovary  solitary,  Hask  shaped,  1- 
celled,  with  about  10  sessile  ovules  iu  two  rows,  no  style,  stigjiia  sessile, 
forming  a  dry  pod  in  fruit. 

An  herbaceous  perennial,  with  a  short,  thick,  horizontal  rootstock,  from 
w'hich  sjiring  several  simple  stems,  4  to  8  feet  high,  bearing,  about  midway, 
large,  decompound  leaves,  and  at  the  sunmiit  long,  wand-like  tracemes. 
Leaves  2  to  3,  the  lower  very  large,  the  upper  smaller,  alternate,  on  strong, 
round,  partially  clasping  petioles,  ternate,  the  primary  divisions  l)i-j)innate  ; 
leaflets  1  to  l5  inches  long,  cut-serrate,  the  terminal  one  largest,  and  more 
or  less  3-divided,  thin,  smooth,  of  a  bright  green  color.  Flowx>rs  vei'y 
numerous,  about  one-half  inch  in  diameter,  in  simple  or  sparsely  branched 
racemes,  8  to  12  inches  long  ;  pedicels  about  one-fourth  inch  long,  bracts 
subulate,  rachis  pubescent.  The  plant  flowers  early  in  July  in  the  latitude 
of  New  York,  and  continues  in  bloom  during  some  weeks,  ripening  its 
fruit  iu  Scptend)er.  Ehizome  2  to  (5  or  more  inches  in  length,  one-half 
to  1  inch  thick,  horizontal,  somewhat  flattened,  irregularly  corrugated  and 
knotted,  simple  or  brauched,  thickly  beset  above  with  the  scars  and  stumps 
of  fallen  stems,  and  laterally  and  beneath  with  long,  strong  roots,  one- 
twelfth  to  one-eighth  inch  iu  diameter.  Scattered  irregularly  among  the 
stumps  of  pi'evious  stems  are  a  number  of  terminal  buds  prepared  for  the 
next  season's  stems.  The  rhizome  and  roots  of  r(,'cent  growth  are  of  a 
dark  reddish-brown  color,  the  older  portion  of  the  rhizome  almost  black  ; 
its  odor  is  earthy  and  unpleasant,  and  its  taste  bitter  and  nauseous. 

Ilab il at. -  -Co\\\n\.oi\  eveiy where  from  CJanada  to  Geoi-gia,  growing  in 
rich  open  woodlands  and  upon  hillsides,  but  avoiding  very  wet  or  reeky 
places.  When  in  bloom  its  long  and  graceful  racemes  form  a  conspicuous 
feature  of  the  localities  where  it  grows. 

Parts  Used. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets — Unit 'id  Stales  rharrnacopwia. 
Official  name  :   Cimicifuga — Black  Snn.keroot. 

Condiluents, — Numerous  analyses  have  been  made  of  this  plant  with- 
out, however,  yielding  any  very  satisfactory  result  when  considered  froia 
n  therapeutic  standpoint.  In  addition  to  the  common  plant  constituents 
lil;e  starch,  gum,  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  mineral  salts,  etc.,  a  small  pro- 
portion of  volatile  oil,  having  the  peculiar  odor  of  the  fresh  drug,  was  de- 
tected by  one  analyst,  besides  two  resins  of  different  character.  Another 
analyst  found  no  volatile  oil,  but  isolated  a  crystalline  substance,  probably 
a  neutral  principle,  whose  alcoholic  solution  has  an  intensely  acrid  taste. 
That  the  fresh  drug  po.ssesses  some  active  volatile  i)rincip]e  would  seem 
probable  from  the  fact  that  it  certainly  deteriorates  by  keeping,  and  all 


I 


ACTyEA BANERERRV.  (50 

observers  wlio  have  had  exjierience  in  the  matter  agi'ee  that  it  is  thera- 
peutically much  more  active  when  fresli  than  when  long  kept. 

rreparatioiiK. — Extractum  cimicifuf^ie  Huidum — fluid  extract  of  ciuii- 
cifuga  ;  tinctura  ciniicifugit — tincture  of  cimicifuga. — L'liid'd  Slates  riiar- 
■mrii-npii'ia.  Of  the  unofficial  preparations,  the  one  most  emjjloyed  is  an 
impure  resin  termed  ciniicifiigin  or  macrolin,  obtained  by  precipitation 
from  an  aktoholic  tincture  with  water.  The  drug  may  also  be  adminis- 
tered in  substance  or  in  decoction,  though  the  latter  form  is  objectionable 
since  water  does  not  completely  extract  its  virtues. 

Medical  Properties  and  T'svix. — In  small  or  moderate  doses  cimicifuga  is 
iitonif^  which  may  be  usefully  employed  in  a  great  variety  of  atlections,  as 
enfeebled  condition  of  the  digestive  system  due  to  alcoholism,  fevers, 
plithisis,  bronchitis,  etc.  It  has  been  employed  also  in  acute  and  chronic 
rheumatism,  amenorrlujea,  dj'smenorrhaia,  and  in  cai'diac  disease,  wliere  it 
nets  like,  but  less  efficiently  than,  digitalis.  It  has  been  used  as  an  aid  to 
parturition  instead  of  ergot,  and  after  delivery  to  relieve  after-pains,  in 
puerperal  mania  and  convulsions,  and  as  a  remedy  for  choi'ea,  especially 
when  of  rheumatic  origin.  In  very  large  doses  it  produces  a  decided 
sedative  effect,  causing  vertigo,  dilatation  of  the  pupil,  and  a  tendency  to 
somnolence.  "To  obtain  curative  efifects  from  cimicifuga,  it  must  be  ad- 
ministered in  sufficiently  large  doses  to  produce  some  of  its  cerebral  ef- 
fects,"— Barlholuw. 

ACT^A.  — Banebeury. 

Character  of  the  Genu!<. — Sepals  4  to  5,  falling  when  the  flower  expands. 
J  .als  4  to  10,  small,  flat,  spatulate,  on  slender  claws.  Stamens  numerous, 
hypogynous,  with  slender  white  filaments.  Ovary  solitaiy,  stigma  sessile. 
Fvuit  a  many-seeded  berry ;  seeds  compressed,  smooth,  horizontal.  Per- 
ennial herbs,  with  bi-ternately  divided  leaves,  and  flowers  in  a  thick  termi- 
nal raceme. 

Actsea  spicata  Linno,  var.  rubra  Michaux. — lied  Banebein/. 

Description. — Calyx  :  sepals  4,  ovate,  greenish.  Corolla  :  petals  often 
8  to  10,  white,  oval,  acute,  nuich  shorter  than  the  stamens.  Stamens  im- 
merous ;  filaments  filiform.  Ovary  smooth,  white  ;  stigma  oval.  2-lobcd, 
recurved  at  the  ends.  Berries  red,  sliining,  about  l(!-seeded,  on  long 
pedicels  about  one-fourth  tlio  size  of  the  conmion  peduncle.  , 

Stem  roundish,  smooth,  about  2  feet  high,  with  bi-  or  ti'i-ternately  di- 
vided leaves,  on  long  smooth  petioles,  partly  sheathing  at  the  liase  ;  leaflets 
ovate,  shai'ply  cut,  and  toothed.  Racemes  ovate  or  hemispherical,  api:)enr- 
ing  in  April  and  May.  Rhizome  closely  resembling  that  of  cimicifuga, 
which  see. 

Haltitat. — Tfich  woods  from  Hudson's  B:iy  to  P'Muisylvania  and  westw-ard 
to  the  Rocky  Mountains.     Less  conunon  than  the  following. 


70 


llANUNCULACE^. 


Actaea  alba  Bigelow. —  While  Baneberry. 

Description. — Calyx  :  sepals  4,  oblong,  white.  Corolla  :  petals  4  to  8,  as 
long  as  the  stamens,  slender,  mostly  truncate  at  the  ends,  stamen-like, 
white  ;  filaments  shorter  than  in  the  preceding  species.  Ovary  and  stigma 
like  those  of  the  preceding.  Berries  white,  tipped  with  red,  about  8-seed- 
ed,  on  thickened,  red  pedicels  the  size  of  the  common  peduncle.  Stem  and 
leaves  larger  and  rather  smoother  than  the  preceding.     Ithizome  similar. 


Fro.  "J!).— Actaea  nlba. 

Racemes  oblong,  the  flowers  appearing  a  week  or  two  later  than  those  of 
the  otliGi"  species. 

Habitat. — Rich  woods  from  Canada  to  Georgia  and  westward  to  the 
Mississippi. 

Parts  Used, — The  rhizome  and  roots — not  official. 

Gonslituents. — Nothing  definite  is  known  as  to  the  composition  of  these 
plants,  though  they  are  supposed  to  possess  proijerties  similar  to  those  of 
cimicifuga. 

rreparations. — There  are  no  commercial  pre^^arations  of  the  American 


MAGNOLIA. 


71 


species  of  act.iea.     From  the  apparent  similarity  of  the  plants  to  cimicif  uga, 
they  might  safely  he  administered  in  like  manner. 

Medical  I'l'dijcrtics  and  U>>es. — As  already  remarked,  tlie  chemical  con- 
stituents of  act;ea  are  supposed  to  be  similar  to  those  of  cimicifuga,  and 
therefore  tlie  former  miglit  Ije  substituted  for  the  latter  in  case  of  necessity, 
though  such  ne(!essity  is  scarcely  to  be  supposed.  As  d(nnestic  remedies 
both  species  have  been  employed,  though  rarely.  Li  scieutitio  medicine 
they  have  seldom  been  mentioned. 

MACNOLIACE^. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Trees  or  shrubs  with  alternate,  coriaceous  leaves, 
and  convolute  stipules  which  cover  the  buds  and  are  deciduous.  Sepals 
usually ;}  to  (!,  deciduous  ;  petals  8  or  more,  imbricated ;  stamens  numerous, 
distinct ;  anthers  adnate  ;  carpels  1-eelled,  nimierous,  on  an  elevated  re- 
ceptacle, in  fruit  forming  a  sort  of  fleshy  or  dry  cone. 

The  order  comprises  about  a  dozen  geiiera  and  more  than  seventy 
species,  very  few  of  which,  however,  are  indigenous  to  North  America. 
The  liowers  of  many  species  are  fragi'ant  and  ornnmental.  As  a  whole  the 
mugnoliaceie  are  characterized  by  aromatic  tonic  properties. 

MAGNOLIA. 

Character  of  the  (lenvs. — Sepals  3  ;  petals  C)  to  12.  Stamens  numerous, 
imbricated,  with  short  filaments,  and 
long  anthers,  the  latter  opening  inward. 
Pistils  numerous,  crowded  upon  the 
elongated  torus,  cohering,  and  in  fruit 
forming  a  fleshy  and  somewhat  woody 
conical  mass.  Carpels  dehiscent  upon 
the  back,  1-  or  2-seeded,  the  seeds  at 
maturity  being  suspended  from  the  open 
capsules  by  an  extensile  thread  of  sj  iral 
vessels.  Trees  or  shrubs.  Leaves  al- 
ternate, or  clustered  at  the  sunuuit  of 
the  branches.  Flowers  large,  solitar)', 
terminal.  Stipules  large,  adnate  to  the 
])etioi  ',  decidiious. 

Mr^nolia  glauca  Linnr. — Small 
or  Laurel  ^[agnolia. 

Ik'scriptio)}. — Calyc :  sepals  3,  mem- 
I'ranaceous,  spatulate,  concave,  resem- 
l)ling  petals  but  much  h-ss  delicate.  Co- 
rolla :  petals  9  to  12,  ovate,  narrowed  at 
the  base,  concave,  erect,  arranged  in  circles  of  three.    Seeds  obovate,  scarlet. 

A  shrub  5  to  20  feet  high,  with  divaricating  branches  and  smooth,  gray- 


Fio.  100.-  Mnunolln  glniioa. 


72  MAGNOLIACE.E. 

isli  bark.  Loaves  ohloiifif  or  oval,  oLtuse,  coriaceous,  of  a  doop  j'ollowish- 
grcc'U  above  and  glaucous  or  bluish-wliite  beneath.  Bark  of  yoinig  twigs 
smooth,  bright  green.  Flowers  globular,  about  2  inches  in  diameter,  creamy^ 
white,  and  very  fragrant.    Cone  of  the  fruit  oval,  1  to  l.V  inch  long,  greenish. 

Habllat. — In  swamps  from  Cape  Ann  north  of  Boston,  south  to  Florida 
mostly  near  the  coast,  though  occasionally  found  some  distance  iidand. 
North  of  Southern  New  Jersey  it  is  not  very  common,  nor  does  it  attain 
any  considerable  size.  In  its  northern  stations  the  lejives  are  deciduous, 
but  southward  they  become  persistent.  In  the  latitude  of  New  York  it 
blooms  in  !May  and  June,  and  at  this  season  the  flowers  are  collected  in 
large  quantities  for  sale  in  the  cities.  It  is  known  by  a  variety  of  local 
names,  as  Sa-cii  Bcnj,  While  Ihuj,  Sicamp  Sasi^(i/ra.-<,  JJeaver  Tree,  etc. 

Magnolia  acuminata  Linne. — (Jucambcr  Tree. 

Description. — Calyx  :  sepals  3.  Corolla :  petals  6  to  9,  oblong-ovate, 
scai'cely  expanding,  glaucous-green  tinged  with  yellow.  Fruit  cylindrical, 
about  <i  inches  long  ;  Avhen  green  somewhat  resembling  a  3'oung  cucum- 
ber, whence  the  common  name. 

A  large  tree,  00  to  8U  feet  high  and  4  to  5  feet  in  diameter  at  the  base. 
Leaves  scattered,  oblong,  acuminate,  0  to  9  inches  long,  green  al)Ove,  slightly 
pubescent  beneath,  deciduous.  Flowers  3  to  4  inches  in  disimetcr,  slightly 
fragrant,  appearing  in  May  and  June. 

lliibilat. — From  Western  New  York  south  to  Georgia  and  west  to  Ohio, 
in  rich  woods.  In  the  Southern  States  it  is  confined  io  mountainous  dis- 
tricts. The  wood  somewhat  resembles  bass-wood  [Tilia),  though  it  is  more 
compact,  and  is  applied  to  the  same  uses. 

Magnolia  Umbrella  Lam.  (J/,  tripetala  Jj.). —  Umbrella  Tree. 

Description. — Calyx :  sepals  3.  Corolla  :  petals  9,  oblong-lanceolate, 
acute,  Avhite.     Fruit  oblong,  4  to  G  inches  long,  rose-colored. 

A  small  tree,  25  to  35  feet  liigh,  with  irregular  branches.  Leaves  clus- 
tered at  the  summit  of  the  branches,  oblong-lanceolate,  12  to  18  inches  long, 
pointed  at  both  ends,  downy  beneath,  soon  becoming  smooth,  deciduous. 
Flowers  4  to  G  inches  in  diameter,  white,  of  an  impleasaut  odor,  appearing 
in  May  and  June. 

TIal)il(it. — From  Pennsylvania  southward  and  westward,  in  deep,  rich 
soils  and  shady  locations. 

Part  Used. — The  havli.— United  States  Pharmacopoeia.  Official  name, 
Magnolia. 

Constituents. — Both  the  root  and  stem  bark  of  the  above-desciibcd 
species  of  magnolia  "(.ntain  an  ai'omatic  and  a  bitter  principle  :  the  former 
being  volatile  is  diminished  by  desiccation  and  entirely  lost  when  the  bark 
is  kept  for  a  length  of  time.  The  bitter  principle  is  permanent,  but  has 
not  been  isolated  ;  it  is  not  associated  with  any  astringent.  A  crystalline 
pi'inciplo  has  been  discovered  in  some  of  the  species,  but  its  therapeutic 
action,  if  it  have  auv,  has  not  been  demonstrated. 


iSi: 


LIRIODKNDUON'.  73 

Preparaliortf!. — There  nro  no  official  jiropai'ations.  The  bark  yiokls  its 
vii'tues  readily  to  diluted  alcohol,  and  a  tincture  prepared  by  means  of 
this  menstruum  is  an  eligible  form  in  which  to  administer  the  drug.  It 
may  also  be  given  in  powder  or  inTiision,  thongli  in  the  latter  forni  the 
aromatic  property  is  gr(;atly  diminished.  A  tincture  of  the  seeds  is  also 
said  to  be  an  efficient  preparation. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Magnolia  is  an  aromatic  bitter  tonic. 
If  administered  freely  it  may  induce  diaphoresis  and  thus  be  useful  in 
febrile  aifections.  It  is  said  to  exert  an  antiperiodic  inrtuence  in  inter- 
mittent and  remittent  fevers,  and  has  long  been  a  favorite  domestic 
remedy  for  those  diseases  in  regions  where  the  bark  is  readily  acciessible. 
Even  in  full  doses  it  produces  none  of  the  disagreeable  cephalic  etTects 
of  cinchona,  and  therefore  is  woi'thy  of  trial  when  from  any  reason  the 
latter  or  its  alkaloids  cannot  be  borne.  It  has  been  used  with  asserted 
benefit  in  both  acute  and  chronic  rheumatism.  In  some  forms  of  dysjiep- 
sia  it  is  also  commended. 

LIRIODENDROX. 

Llriodendron  Tullpifera  Limio. — Tidip  Tree. 

Description. — (.'alyx  :  sepals  3,  oblong,  obtuse,  concave,  spreading, 
petal-like,  deciduous.  Coi'oUa :  petals  G,  in  two  rows,  oblong,  obtuse, 
concave  at  the  base,  2  inches  long,  greenish-yellow  marked  with  orange, 
slightly  spreading,  forming  a  bell-shaped  flower.  Stamens  numerous, 
In'pogynous,  shorter  than  the  petals,  inserted  iijion  a  conical  receptacle  ; 
antliers  liueai',  opening  outward.  Pistils  numerous,  flat,  long  and  nar- 
row, imbricating  and  cohering  together,  forming  an  elongated  cone. 
Fruit  cone-shaped,  made  vip  of  numerous  inibricated,  1-celled,  2-seeded, 
indehisccnt,  samara-like  seed-vessels,  which  are  in  form  lanceolate,  com- 
pressed, and  at  the  base  triangular  and  tumid.  The  entire  mass  of  seed- 
vessels  is  coherent  until  maturity,  when  they  fall  fx'om  the  stems  in  a 
body  or  separate  from  each  other  and  fall  singly. 

A  large  tree,  often  attaining  the  height  of  100  feet,  with  a  diameter 
at  the  base  of  4  or  5  feet.  In  very  favorable  circumstances  it  has  been 
known  to  grow  much  larger,  attaining  a  height  of  140  feet,  with  a  diam- 
eter of  8  or  9  feet.  The  trunk  is  neai'ly  sti-aight,  the  brandies  some- 
what scattered,  an<l,  compai*ed  with  the  size  of  the  tree,  rather  small  below 
liut  larger  toward  the  top.  When  growing  in  the  forest  the  stem  for 
thirty  or  forty  feet  is,  in  general,  free  of  branches,  but  under  other  circum- 
stances the  lowest  branches  are  much  nearer  the  ground.  The  leaves  are 
alternate,  on  long  foot-stalks,  and  when  fully  growai  are  from  4  to  8  inches 
in  length,  !)y  about  the  same  in  breadth,  somewhat  cordate  at  tne  base  ami 
more  ov  less  dee])ly  4-lobed,  two  of  the  lobes  being  at  the  base  and  two  at 
tlie  apex,  the  latter  separated  from  each  other  by  a  broad  and  shallow 


I 


74  JIAGNOLIACE.E. 

liot(!h,  which  gives  the  1(  af  tho  apponranro  of  having  Loon  cut  off.  Abnvo 
tho  loaves  arc  siiiootli  and  sliining,  of  a  dark  yolluwish-groon  ;  iindornoalh 
much  lighter,  and  strongly  veined.  The  flowers  are  2  to  JJ  inches  in  di- 
ameter, beautifully  tinted,  resembling  some  vai'ieties  of  the  tulip,  avIh  ncc 
the  common  name,  and,  as  they  are  jn'oduccd  in  immense  numbers,  add 
greatly  to  the  beauty  of  this  majestic  tree  duiing  tlui  period  of  its  intlo- 
rescence.  The  flowers  ajtpear,  in  the  latitude  of  New  York,  about  the  iir&t 
of  June,  when  tho  tree  is  in  full  leaf.  • 

Habitat. — From  Canada  to  Florida  and  westward  to  Eastern  Kansas, 
growing  more  luxiu-iantly  in  rich  moist  ground,  though  occurring  not  un- 
frocpiontly  in  elevat(!d  and  dry  situations.  Under  the  name  of  white  wood 
it  is  extensively  used  in  cabinet  work,  in  the  inner  wood-work  of  houses) 
for  carriage  panels,  etc.  Li  some  sections  of  the  country  it  is  known  as 
ichile  pnithir,  in  (j'uors  yellow  poplar ;  both  unfortunate  appellations,  since 
it  in  no  way  resembles  the  true  poplars,  but  is,  on  the  contrary,  a  tree  tsui 
gcjicriii,  1  f'ing  tho  only  siiccios  of  its  genus  in  the  known  world. 

Part  rs('(/. — Tho  bark,  taken  indiscriminately  from  the  root,  trunk,  or 
branches — not  otlicial. 

Const  it  lauits.' — The  bark  of  the  tulip  tree  has  a  pungent,  aromatic,  bitter 
taste,  and  (o  analysis  yields  a  crystalline  principle,  termed  liriodeuilriit, 
having  *ho  same  sensible  properties.  Whatever  medicinal  effects  may  bo 
attributed  to  tho  drug  are  doubtless  duo  to  this  princijjle.  It  may  bo 
obtained  in  a  crvstalline  form  from  tho  alcoholic  tincture,  or  as  an  amor- 
puous  powder  from  the  infusion.  It  exists  in  greater  proportion  in  tho 
fresh  bark  than  in  that  which  has  been  long  kept. 

Preparationf^. — There  are  no  ofJicial  preparations,  nor  is  the  active 
jninciple  prepared  in  connnorcial  quantities.  The  tlrug  may  bo  adminis- 
tered in  powder,  or  in  the  form  of  infusion  or  tincture.  The  earlier 
writers,  from  whom  most  of  our  knowledge  of  this  subject  comes,  lireferred 
to  administer  it  in  substance. 

Medical  Properties  and  Usea. — Like  magnolia,  the  tulip  tree  possesses 
aromatic,  bitter  tonic  properties.  Some  of  the  earlier  writers  upon  Anjor- 
ican  mediciufd  plants  considered  it  nearly,  if  not  altogether,  as  elHcacious 
as  cinchona  in  the  tvoatmcut  of  intermittent  fevers.  It  was,  however, 
administered  in  comi  .nation  with  flowering  dogwood  (Cui'nus  Jlorida), 
probably  a  much  more  efficient  drug.  It  has  also  been  xised  as  a  stimu- 
lant diaphoretic  in  both  acute  and  chronic  rheumatism,  and  as  a  simple 
tonic  in  dyspeptic  ailments,  and  in  convalescence  from  acute  dysentery 
and  other  acute  diseases.  At  present  it  can  scarcely  be  said  to  hold  a 
place  in  scientific  medicine,  and  even  as  a  domestic  remedy  it  is  prob.'il)ly 
seldom  employed. 


PLATE 


!I' 


•  liil\i\son.  Del. 


LIRIODENDRON    TULIPIFERA. 


M    rIKNCKf'.I.l  rl*.  N  ' 


I 


Plate  ll—Llrlodendron  tullpifera. 

rn.  1. -Flowering  bnincli,  oue-lmlf  natural  size. 
Fio.  a.-Matnro  fruit,  one  half  natural 
Frci.  3._Singlo  seed-vessel,  uuturul  size. 


size. 


4'-^ 


-.tu 


.J^.  -^^ 


0%. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


m 


z  m 


I.I 


Ui 


1.25 


2.2 


2.0 


1.8 


U    111.6 


07> 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


33  WES1  .V  MN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14S80 

(716)  872-4503 


iV 


V 


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MENISPERMUM — 3I00NSEKD.  75 

MENISPERMACE/C. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Shrubby  climljing  vinos,  with  alternate,  pal- 
mate, or  peltate  leaves,  on  slender  petioles,  without  stipules  ;  ilovvers  small, 
(lieecious  or  polygamous,  in  axillary  rocemes  or  panicles  ;  se^jals  and  pet- 
als similar,  iu  three  or  more  rows,  imbricated  in  the  bud  ;  stamens  G  or 
more,  liypogynous ;  ovaries  3  to  6 ;  fruit  a  1-seeded  drupe  with  a  long  curved 
embryo  in  scanty  albumen. 

An  order  comprising  about  sixty  genera,  mostly  tropical,  three  only,  and 
of  each  but  a  single  species,  being  natives  of  the  United  States.  Of  exotic 
species,  Calumba  {Ja'eorrhiza  calumba  Miers),  Pareira  ( Chondodendron  to- 
mentosum  Ruiz  et  Pavon),  and  Cocculus  Indicus  (Anamir la  panic ulata  Cole- 
brooke)  are  among  the  best  known  and  most  important. 

MENISPERMUM.  — Moonseed. 

Menlspermum  Canadense  Jjiunv.— Canadian  Moon.-iccd. 

Description. — Calyx  :  sepals  4  to  8,  ovate-oblong,  greenish-yellow.  Co- 
rolla :  petals  G  to  8,  much  smaller  than  the  sepals,  orbicular,  obtusely  cuneate 
at  the  base.  Stamens  12  to  20  in  the  sterile  flowers,  as  long  as  the  sepals  ; 
anthers  of  4  spherical  lobes.  Pistils  2  to  4  in  the  fertile  flowers,  raised  on  a 
short  connnon  receptacle.  Fruit  a  stipitate,  globular  drupe,  about  one- 
tliird  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  nearly  black,  the  pixlp  small  in  quantity. 
After  flowering  the  pistil  in  development  becomes  incurved,  so  that  tlie 
mark  of  the  stigma  is  :iear  the  base  of  the  drupe,  and  the  stone,  laterally 
compressed,  forms  an  almost  complete  ring,  or  is  lunate,  whence  the  com- 
mon name. 

Stem  shrubby  at  the  base,  or  entirely  herbaceous,  8  to  15  feet  or 
more  in  length,  slender,  springing  from  a  long  and  freely  rooted  rhizome. 
Loaves  3  to  4  inches  in  length  and  of  somewhat  greater  breadth,  peltate 
near  the  edge,  3-  to  7-angled  or  lobed,  pubescent  on  the  veins,  dark  green 
a1)ove,  glaucous  beneath ;  petioles  about  as  long  as  the  leaves.  The  flowers 
appear  in  June  and  July  ;  tlie  fruit  ripens  in  September,  is  covered  with  a 
bloom,  and  resembles  small  clusters  of  frost  grapes.  In  addition  to  its 
common  name  of  moonseed,  it  also  bears  that  of  yellow  mrxupardla,  and 
tjelloio  parilla,  the  latter  evidently  a  contraction  of  the  former.  At  one 
time  it  was  introduced  into  commerce  as  Texas  sarsaparilla,  and  was  em- 
ployed to  some  extent  as  a  substitute  for  time  sarsaparilla  {Smilax  offici- 
nalis). 

Habitat.— In  moist  woods  and  along  the  banks  of  streams,  from  Canada 
to  the  Carolinas  and  westward  ;  common. 

Parts  Vied. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets — United  Slates  Pharmacopreia. 

Constituents. — In  an  analysis  of  moonseed  made  Ly  Professor  Maisch 
there  was  found  a  small  quantity  of  berberiua,  and  a  larger  proportion  of 


76  BEI1I5EH1DACE/E. 

a  white  alkaloid,  soluble  in  ether  and  alcohol,  and  sjiaringly  in  water.  Its 
other  coustituents  were  not  detetniined,  but  are  probably  unimportant. 

Preparaiion.i. — There  are  no  ofKcial  preparations  of  inoonseed.  It 
yields  its  virtues  to  water  and  alcohol,  and  may  be  administered  in  decoc- 
tion or  tincture. 

Medical  J'ropertim  and  Uses. — Moonseed  is  said  to  be  tonic,  alterative, 
and  diuretic.  If  these  reputed  projierties  depend  to  any  considerable  ex- 
tent upon  the  bcrberina  present  in  the  drug,  they  must,  of  necessity,  be 
of  a  feel)le  character,  since  the  jjvoportion  of  this  alkaloid  is  small.  The 
tlierapeutic  activity  of  the  white  alkaloid  has  not  been  demonstrated.  As 
stated  above,  moonseed  was  at  one  time  emploj'ed  as  n  substitute  for  sarsa- 
parilla,  to  which  it  was,  by  some  observers,  pronounced  suix'rior  as  an  al- 
terative. Inasmuch,  however,  as  the  medicinal  virtues  of  sarsaparilla  itself 
are  of  a  rather  doubtful  character,  this  recommendation  of  moonseed  is  not 
particularly  convincing.  It  is  probable  that  the  plant,  by  virtue  of  its  bit- 
terness, which  it  shares  with  calumba  and  other  species  of  the  menisper- 
macepc,  and  which  is  due,  at  least  in  jiart,  to  berberina,  possesses  feeble 
tonic  powers,  and  that  whatever  effects  it  may  cause,  or  seem  to  cause, 
are  due  merely  to  its  tonic  action.  Taking  this  view  of  the  subject,  one 
can  readily  see  how  it  might  occasionally  be  beneficial  in  scrofulous,  cuta- 
neous, arthritic,  rheumatic,  syi^hilitic,  and  mercurial  diseases,  for  all  of 
which  it  has  been  recommended. 

BERBERIDACE/E. 

Chnmcler  of  the  Order. — Shrubs  or  herbaceous  perennials  with  alter- 
nate or  radical,  compound,  often  spiny  leaves  ;  sepals  and  petals  in  two 
or  more  rows  of  2  to  4  each,  imbricated  in  the  bud,  deciduous  ;  stamens 
as  many  as  the  petals,  and  opposite  them,  hypogynoiis  ;  anthers  2-celled, 
opening  upward  by  valves  hinged  at  the  top  ;  ovary  solitary,  1-celled  ; 
fruit  a  berry  or  capsule,  1-  or  many-seeded. 

Podophyllum  and  Jeffersonia  differ  in  some  respects  from  the  general 
structure  of  the  order,  both  being  many-seeded,  the  former  having  more 
stamens  than  petals  and  the  latter  having  the  sepals  in  one  row. 

The  order  comprises  about  a  dozen  genera  and  more  than  one  hundred 
species.  Seven  genera  are  represented  in  the  United  States,  and  four  of 
these  comprise  species  of  medicinal  value.  In  general  they  possess  acrid 
and  bitter  properties. 

BERBERIS.  — B  AtiBEnnv. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Sepals  6,  orbiculai*,  with  2  to  6  bractlets  out- 
side. Petals  0,  obovate,  concave,  shorter  than  the  sepals,  with  two  glan- 
dular spots   inside  above  the  short  claws.     Stamens  G,  irritable.     Stjde 


EEU15EKIS — HARBERRY. 


<    4 


short  ;  stigma  oireuLar,    depressed.     Fruit  a  1-  to  O-scodod  berry  ;    seeds 
erect,  Avith  a  cnistaceoiiH  integument. 

Shrubs  with  yellow  inner  bark  and  wood,  bristly  serrate,  often  spiny 
1-  t(  D-foliate  leaves.     Yellow  flowers  in  drooping  racemes,  and  acid  fruit. 

Berberis  vulgaris   Liune. — Common  Barber ri/. 

Description. — Flower  and  fruit  as  in  the  generic  description  above. 
Leaves  on  the  young  shoots  mostly  reduced  to  shf.rp  triple  or  branched 
spines  ;  on  older  branches  they  are  produced  in  clusters  or  rosettes,  and 
are  ovate-oblong,  with  sharp  bristly  teeth.  The  flowers,  iu  long  di'oopiug 
racemes,  are  produced  from  the  axils 
of  these  leaves.  The  berries  are  ob- 
long, 2  seeded,  scarlet,  and  possess  a 
gi'atefully  acid  and  somewhat  astrin- 
gent taste. 

A  shrub,  4  to  8  feet  in  height, 
diffusely  branched  at  the  top,  with  a 
whitish  or  light  gray,  shining  bark 
on  the  young  shoots,  and  a  much 
darker  gray  on  the  old  stems.  Flow- 
ers in  May  and  June  and  matures  its 
fruit  iu  autumn. 

Habitat. — Common  barbeny  is  a 
native  of  Europe,  but  has  become 
naturalized  and  grows  wild  in  some 
sections  of  New  England.  It  is  com- 
mon in  cultivation  all  over  the  country 
us  an  ornament;  d  shrub. 

Berberis  Canadensis  Pursh. — 
A  nwrican  Jkirberri/. 

Description. — Flowers  and  fruit  as 
in  the  generic  description  above. 
Petals  notched  at  the  apex.  Leaves 
:  1  pandly  toothed,  and  less  l)ristly 
l)ointed  than  in  preceding  species, 
llacemes  fewer  flowered.    Berries  oval. 

A  shrub  from  1  to  3  feet  in  height, 
l)otanists  a  mere  vanity  of  J},  vulgarity.     Flowers  in  May  and  June. 

Habitat. — Mountainous  regions  from  Virginia  to  Georgia. 

Berberis  Aquifolium  Pursh. — Holhj-h'.aved  Jhrberry. 

Description. — Calyx  :  sepals  suborbiculai",  mendn'anaceous.  Corolla  : 
petals  connivent,  the  innermost  bitid  at  the  apex.     Berries  dark  pui-ple. 

A  shrub  from  2  to  5  feet  in  height,  with  evergreen,  pinnate  leaves  ; 
leaflets  in  3  to  G  pairs,  with  an  odd  terminal  one,  coriaceous,  ovate-lanceo- 
late or  elliptical-oblong,  inecjuilateral  or  slightly  cordate  at  the  base,  repaud 


Fic.  lul.— Borlicris  vulpraris. 

Formerly  considered  by  many 


78  3?EUJ{KI11DACE^E. 

with  thorn}-  or  Hpiiiy  teoth,  rcsembHng  those  of  holly,  -whcuce  tlie  specific 
uaine. 

Iluhilat. — Western  coast  of  North  America,  from  Orer^on  southward. 

rarlH  Used. — The  bark  of  the  stem  and  root,  and  the  berries — not 
official. 

Confitihicntif. — The  most  important  constituent  of  barberry  is  undoubt- 
edly berberina,  Avhich,  however,  is  present  in  only  small  proportion — much 
smaller  than  in  hydrastis.  Another  principle,  oxycanthin,  sometimes  called 
berberia,  is  present,  also  in  small  proportion.  This  is  a  white  alkaloid, 
soluble  in  ether,  alcohol,  and  chloroform,  nearl}'  insoluble  in  water,  and 
has  a  bitter  taste.  The  other  constituents  of  the  bark  are  unimportant. 
The  berries  are  pleasantly  acid,  but  have  no  constituents  of  special  value. 

Pn'pai'atioifi. — There  are  no  official  preparations.  The  bark  yields  its 
virtues  to  alchol  and  water,  and  may  bo  administered  in  tincture  or  in- 
fusion. 

Jledical  Properties  and  Uses. — Whatever  therapeutic  effect  may  be  pro- 
duced by  barberry  is  undoubtedly  due  to  its  most  active  in'incijjlo,  ber- 
berina. As  this  is  present  in  but  small  proportion,  the  bark  cannot  be  a 
very  active  agent.  The  European  species,  J>.  vitlyarii^,  has  been  used  to 
some  extent  as  a  tonic,  chiefly  in  domestic  practice.  The  American  species 
have  also  been  experimented  with,  but  are  not  much  esteemed.  The  berries 
are  sometimes  used  toprei^are  a  cooling  and  refreshing  drink  in  fevers,  etc. 

CAULOPHYLLUM.— Blue   Cohosh. 

CaulophyMum  thalictroides  Michaux. — Blue  Cohosh. 

Description. — Calyx  :  sepals"  G,  ovate-oblong,  greenish-yellow-,  with  3 
small  bracts  at  their  base.  Corolla  :  petals  G,  reniform  or  hooded,  thick 
and  gluud-like,  with  short  claws,  much  shorter  than  the  sepals,  and  oppo- 
site them.  Stamens  6,  hypogynous,  opposite  the  jietals,  with  short,  thick 
filaments  ;  anthers  ovate  or  oblong,  opening  upward  by  two  valves  hinged 
at  the  top.  Pistil  solitary,  gibbous ;  style  short ;  stigma  minute  and 
unilateral.  The  ovary  bursts  soon  after  flowering  by  the  development  of 
the  seeds,  wliich  are  thus  left  naked  on  their  thick  stalks,  and,  having  a 
blue,  fleshy  integumeit,  tijcy  look  like  drupes. 

An  herbaceous  perennial,  with  a  nearly  horizontal,  somewhat  branched 
and  knotty  rhizome,  from  which  springs  a  simple  smooth  and  glaucous 
stem,  1  to  2\-  feet  in  licight,  bearing  at  its  summit  a  small  raceme  or  pani- 
cle of  greenish-yellov/  flowers,  and  a  little  below  a  large,  s(!ssile,  triternately 
compound  leaf.  Leaflets  1  to  2^  inches  long,  about  half  as  broad,  ob- 
ovate  wedge-shaped,  2-  to  3-lobed,  the  lateral  ones  sessile,  the  terminal 
petiolulate.  A  smaller  triternate  leaf  is  sometimes  situated  at  the  base  of 
the  panicle. 

The  flowers  appear  in  April  or  May,  while  the  leaf  is  yet  small ;  the  fruit 


JEFFEHSONIA — TWIN-LEAF.  79 

maturpf,  in  Angni?t.  The  plant  is  known  in  vaviouf*  sections  of  the  country 
p:-  i^appoose  I'out,  S(pta}ii  Hoof,  and  Jihudicrrtj  Hoot. 

Habitat. — In  rich,  moist  woods  from  Canada  to  South  Cai'oUnaand  west- 
ward.    A  very  common  plant,  and  (luite  widely  distributed. 

Parts  Used. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets — United  States^  Pharmncopnia. 

Constituents. — In  addition  to  the  ordinary  constituents  of  jjlants,  such 
as  allmmen,  gum,  starch,  mineral  salts,  etc.,  there  have  been  found  in 
caulophyllum  two  rosins,  and  a  principle  analogous  to  saponin.  The  resins, 
in  an  imiwre  condition,  are  obtained  by  prccipi*^ation  from  the  concentrated 
alcoholic  tincture  with  water.  The  precipitate,  Avhich  amounts  to  twelve 
per  cent,  of  the  root  employed,  is  known  as  canlophyllin.  It  has  a  sweetish- 
hitter  and  afterward  somewhat  acrid  taste,  similar  to  that  of  the  root, 
and  probably  represents  whatever  activity  the  plant  is  possessed  of. 

Preparations. — There  are  no  official  jjreparatious  of  caulophyllum.  A  i 
tae  I'oot  yields  its  virtues  to  alcohol,  it  may  be  administered  in  tincture,  oi 
in  the  form  of  the  so-called  caulophylliu,  a  commercial  article  readily  ob- 
tainable. 

3Iedi(al  Properties  and  Uses. — Antispasmodic,  demulcent,  diaphoretic, 
diuretic,  cmmenagogue,  and  parturient  properties  have  been  attributed  to 
this  plant,  but  upon  what  evidence  it  is  difficult  to  decide.  Rafinesque 
sa3's  that  "  as  a  powerful  emmenagogue  it  promotes  delivery,  menstruation, 
and  dropsical  discharges,"  and  that  it  was  \ised  "  by  the  Indians  and  their 
imitators  for  rheumatism,  dropsy,  colic,  sore  throat,  ci-amp,  hiccough,  epi- 
lepsy, hysterics,  inflannnation  of  the  vterus,  etc."  It  would  seem  that 
many  authors,  in  writing  upon  this  plant  since  the  time  of  Ra^nesque,  have 
repeated  his  assertions  in  one  form  or  auothei",  not  only  without  question 
but  generally  without  ci'edit  also.  At  any  rate,  little  seems  to  have  been 
added  to,  while  nuich  has  been  sul)tracted  from,  the  estimated  value  of  the 
plant  as  a  remedy  since  Rafinesque's  time.  King,  however,  says  {American 
Dispe.isatorii)  :  "In  decoction,  blue  cohosh  is  preferable  to  ergot  for  expe- 
diting delivery  in  all  those  cases  whore  the  delay  is  owing  to  debility  or 
want  of  uterine  nervous  energy,  or  is  the  result  of  fatigue."  This  state- 
ment will  be  taken  cum  grano  salis  by  those  who,  like  the  author,  have 
made  an  experimental  comparison — or  rather  contrast — of  the  two. 

JEFFERSONIA.— Twin-Leaf. 

JefFersonia  diphylla  Persoon. — Triin-Leaf,  Rheumatism  Root. 

Desci'iption. — Calyx  :  sepals  4,  petal-like,  fugacious.  Corolla  :  petals  8, 
oblong,  flat.  Stamens  8,  shorter  than  the  petals ;  anthers  linear-oblong, 
on  slender  filaments.  Ovary  solitary,  ovoid,  soon  becoming  gibbous ; 
stigma  2-lobed,  nearly  sessile  ;  ovules  5  or  G,  attached  to  one  side  of  the 
ovary  below  the  middle.  Fruit  a  somewhat  stipitate  cajisule,  opening  by 
a  transvei'se,  semi-lunar  slit  near  the  summit.     Seeds  numerous,  crowded 


80  BERBERIDACE^E. 

in  several  rows  on  n  lateral  placenta,  with  a  flcsliy  lacerate  aril  on  one 
side. 

An  herbaceous  perennial,  with  a  thick,  somewhat  fleshj',  horizontal, 
fihrous-rootcd  rliizome,  from  which  arises  a  simple  l-Howcred  scape,  and  a 
tuft  of  long-petioled,  bil'oHato,  or  deeply  2-parted  radical  loaves,  with  ob- 
long, foliaceous  sheaths  at  their  base.  Leaves  glaucous  beneath ;  lamina 
parted  into  2  semi-ovate  segments,  appearing  like  a  pair  of  leaves  (whence 
the  name  twin-leaf),  eav-h  3  to  4  inches  king,  nearly  2  inches  wid(>,  obscurely 
toothed  or  sinuate.  Flowers  white,  about  1  inch  in  diametei',  appearing 
in  April  or  May.     The  fruit  matures  in  July. 

Habitnt. — In  rich,  shady  woods,  on  limestone  soils,  from  New  York  to 
Tennessee.     Not  very  common. 

rarls  Uxcd. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets — not  official. 

Constituents. — In  addition  to  the  common  plant  constituents,  one  analyst 
has  discovered  in  Jeflfersonia  a  bitter  i)rinciple  and  an  acrid  acid  analogous 
to  that  existing  in  Pohjcjala  Senega,  termed  polygalic  acid,  having  the  acrid 
and  nauseous  taste  of  the  root,  and  capable  of  producing  persistent  nausea 
and  vomiting,  Anotlier  analyst  found  a  small  quantity  of  berberina  and  a 
lai'ger  proportion  of  a  white  alkaloid. 

Prepurulion.s. — Tl.  "re  are  neither  ofHcial  nor  commei'cial  preparations 
of  this  plant.  Its  virtues  are  yielded  to  boiling  water,  and  it  may  therefore 
be  administered  in  decoction  or  infusion. 

Medical  rropcrties  and  Uses. — Jeffersonia  is  said  to  be  alterative,  anti- 
spasmodic, diuretic,  diaphoretic,  and  expectorant.  That  it  may  possibly 
proikice  an  alterative  efl'ect  tlu'ough  the  tonic  inlluence  of  its  alkaloid  ber- 
bei'ina  is  not  unlikely,  but  the  other  elTects  attributed  to  it  are  probably 
largely  duo  to  its  mode  of  administration  rather  than  to  its  specific  proper- 
ties. Being  rather  nauseoiis,  large  quantities  of  it  in  decoction  might 
readily  induce  antispasn^.odic,  diaphoretic,  or  expectorant  eftects.  It  has 
been  used  as  a  substitute  for  senega,  to  which  it  bears  some  analogy  as 
shown  by  analj'sis,  and  in  chronic  rheumatism,  secondary  syphilis,  nervous 
affections,  etc.,  chiefly  in  domestic  practice.  Eatiuesque  thought  it  wortliy 
of  investigation. 

PODOPHYLLUM.  — May-Apple. 

Podophyllum  peltatum  Linne. — ]\[aii- Apple,  Mandrahe. 

Description. — Calyx :  sepals  G,  unequal,  obtuse,  imbricate,  pale  green, 
caducous,  with  3  small,  fugacious  braetlets  at  their  base.  Corolla :  petals 
G  to  9,  obovate,  twice  the  leugth  of  the  sepals,  white.  Stamens  12  to  IS, 
twice  the  nund^er  of  the  petals,  hypogynous,  with  short,  slender  filaments  ; 
anthers  linear-oblong,  about  the  length  of  the  filaments,  2-celled,  open- 
ing longitudinally,  and  not  upward  by  valves  as  is  the  rule  with  the  order. 
Ovary  ovoid,  1-celled,  with  many  ovules ;  stigma  sessile,  large,  thick,  and 


PODOPIIYLLFM — MAY-API'LE.  81 

midulato  or  Idliod.  Fruit  a  succulent  herry  as  lartife  as  a  medium-sized 
plum,  smooth,  yellowish-green  wlien  ripe,  of  a  mildly  acid  taste  and,  to 
man\'  people,  an  aj^reeable  llavor.  Seeds  12  or  more,  eoveriii;^'  the  large 
lateral  placenta,  in  several  rows,  each  seed  enclosc.'d  in  a  pulpy  aril,  the 
whole  forniin'T  a  soft  mass  which  tills  the  cavitv  of  tlu!  fruit. 

An  herbaceous  perennial  having  a  creeping,  librous-rooted  rhizome, 
1  to  6  feet  in  length,  from  which  arise  in  early  spring  both  flowering  and 
flowerless  stems  about  1  foot  in  height.  The  flowerl(>ss  stem  is  tcrmi- 
nated  by  a  single,  large,  round,  7-  to  !)-lobed  loaf,  centrally  peltate,  the 
lobes  oblong,  wedge-shai>ed,  somewhat  toothed  or  lobed  at  the  ap(!x.  The 
flowering  stem  bifur(%ites  G  to  8  inches  above  the  ground,  and  each 
Immch  bears  at  its  summit,  about  4  inches  above  the  bifurcation,  a  single 
one-sided  leaf,  the  stalk  fixed  near  the  im.'er  edge,  lobed  and  toothed  in  a 
manner  similar  to  the  leaves  of  the  barren  stems.  At  the  bifurcation 
is  situated  a  single  white  flower  about  2  inches  in  tliameter,  upon  a  short, 
curveil  peduncle. 

The  plant  blossoms  in  Miy  and  ripens  its  fruit  in  August  and  Sep- 
tember. 

HahUat. — This  is  a  very  common  plant  in  rich,  moist  soil  along  the  bor- 
ders of  woods  and  streams  from  Canada  to  T'lorida.  Its  l)eautil'ul  foliage, 
and  still  more  beautiful  flowers,  render  it  an  object  of  interest  entirely 
apai't  from  its  medicinal  importance.  It  is,  moreover,  very  hardy,  and 
flourishes  along  the  fences  of  cultivated  fields  long  after  many  of  its  more 
tender  natural  associates  have  been  exterminated.  In  view  of  its  medic- 
inal importance  this  is  inde  k1  gratifying,  since  it  is  a  fact  that  many  of 
our  valuable  indigenous  medicinal  plants  will  soon  be  completely  eradi- 
cated by  the  progress  of  the  very  civilization  which  has  recognized  and 
utilized  their  virtues.  Their  natural  habitat  is  the  vii'gin  soil  of  the  un- 
broken foi'est,  and  once  this  is  turned  by  the  plow  they  disappear  for- 
ever. 

Paris  Ufied. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets — United  Sfatex  rhnrmacopcria. 
The  leaves  partake  of  the  properties  of  the  root,  but  are  not  employed. 
The  fruit,  on  the  contrary,  is  entirely  innocuous,  and  may  be  eaten,  in  any 
reasonable  quantity,  with  impunity. 

Cunslituents. — Podopiiyllum  hasa  bitter,  aci'id  taste,  somewhat  similar  to 
thai  of  other  plants  of  the  order.  Its  active  properties  reside  in  a  resinous 
substance  which  is  obtained  by  precipitation  from  a  concentrated  alco- 
holic tincture  by  means  of  water  acidulated  with  hydrochloric  acid.  This 
has  long  been  used  and  sold  under  the  incorrect  name  podophnUin.  It 
consists  of  two  resins,  one  soluble  in  both  ether  and  alcohol,  the  other 
in  alcohol  only,  and  is  a  mixture  of  the  active  and  some  of  the  inert 
principles  of  the  root.  The  ultimate  composition  of  these  resins  is  still 
a  matter  of  dispute  among  analysts.  In  addition  to  the  resin,  there 
also  exist  in  the  root  the  ordinary  vegetable  principles,  but,  as  demon- 


82  NYMPir.EACE.Ii;. 

strated  by  ProfosHor  Miiisch  mid  others,  neither  bci'berina  nor  any  other 
alkaloid. 

J'/rparofif)}}!^. — Aliatractum  po  lophylli — abstract  of  podophylhim  ;  ex- 
tractuin  podophvlli — extrat^t  of  podophyllum  ;  extraetum  podopliylli  llii- 
idiim  lluid  extract  of  podophylluin  ;  resina  podophvlli — renin  of  podo- 
phyllum (incorrectly  termed  jjodophi/lli))). —  United  Slatm  I'harmacopivia. 

Medical  Properties  and  Unei<. — Podophyllum  is  an  active  cathartic,  in- 
creasing the  intestinal  secretions  and  producinj^  cojiious  and  somewhat 
watery  stools,  rcHend)liiipr  jalap  in  its  mode  of  oporatior  thon;^h  its  elVects 
are  produced  nuich  more  slowly.  Its  ac^tion  is  attended  with  considerable  ■ 
f,'ripin}jf,  and  sometimes  nausea,  which,  however,  may  be,  to  a  great  ex- 
tent, obviated  by  administering  it  in  combination  with  other  cathartics  or 
with  sedatives.  In  over-doses  it  produces  violent  emeto-catharsis,  and  has 
not  imfroiiucntly  caused  fatal  prostration.  That  it  exerts  a  special  in- 
fluence ui)on  the  functions  of  the  liver  seems  to  have  been  al)un(lantly 
demonstrated  by  clinical  experience  ;  and  in  those  cases  of  inactivity  of 
this  organ  so  frequently  met  with  in  the  condition  vaguely  but  ex- 
pressively termed  "  biliousness,"  fe>v  remedies  act  as  satisfactorily.  As  an 
aid  to  overcoming  the  habit  of  constipation,  administered  alone  or  in 
judicious  combin;itions,  few  drugs  ecpial  and  fewer  still  surpass  it  in 
cfiicacy.  Thus,  though  analogous  to  jalap  in  some  resi)ects,  it  has  a 
wid(H'  range  of  tisefulness.  It  is  used  by  eclectics  as  a  substitute  for  mer- 
cury in  the  treatment  of  syphilis,  and  has  even  been  denominated  "  vege- 
table calomel,"  on  account  of  its  sujii^osed  efficacy  as  an  alterative.  There 
is  little  reason,  however,  for  sn])p()sing  that  it  exerts  any  direct  or  spe- 
cific etfect  upon  svphilis,  or  that  its  alterative  inlluence  extends  beyond  the 
mere  increasing  the  hepatic  and  intestinal  secretions.  It  w'ould,  therefore, 
be  extremely  unwise  to  relj'  upon  it  to  the  exclusion  of  mercury  and  the 
iodides  in  the  treatment  of  so  grave  a  disease  as  syphilis. 

NYMPH/EACEyE. 

,  Character  of  the  Order. — Aquatic  perennial  herbs,  with  horizontal  rhi- 
zomes and  peltate  or  cordate  fleshy  leaves,  either  floating  on  the  surface 
of  the  water  or  borne  above  it  upon  long  petioles.  Sepals  usually  4, 
sometimes  confounded  with  the  numerous  petals,  and  these  often  passing 
gradually'  into  stamens  ;  stamens  indefinite  in  number,  inserted  in  the 
torus  above  the  petals,  with  petaloid  filaments,  and  adnate,  introrse 
anthers,  opening  by  two  longitudinal  clefts  ;  torus  lai'ge  and  fleshy,  sur- 
sounding  the  ovary,  which  is  many-celled  and  mai.y-ovuled,  with  radiat- 
ing stigmas.  Fruit  many-celled,  indihescent ;  seeds  very  numerous,  borne 
on  the  sid<^s  or  back  of  the  cells,  and  not  on  the  ventral  suture. 

An  order  comprising  five  genera  in  North  America,  namelj',  Brasenia, 
Cabomba,  Nelumbium,  Nuphar,  and  Nympheea,  and  these  are  represented 


NYMPIl^A — WATER-LILT.  88 

hy  only  a  few  species,  none  of  which  are  very  important,  modicinally. 
They  are  generally  UHtrhigont  and  Honiewhat  demulcent.  The  i)lant  de- 
scribed below,  Nipnpha^a  odorata,  is  the  most  imjiortaut  medicinally, 
though  species  of  the  genua  nuphar  possess  similar  properties  but  to  u 
more  limited  extent. 

NYMPlIillA.— Wateu-Lii.y. 

Nymphaea  odorata  Alton. — Sweel-acenlcd  Water- LiUj. 

DeKcriplion. — Calyx  :  sepals  4,  green  outside,  white  within,  nearly  fi'co, 
withering  but  not  falling  away.  Corolla  :  petals  numerous,  in  many  rows, 
gadiially  p  issing  into  stamens,  imbricate,  inserted  upcni  the  ovary.  Sta- 
mens iiidcfinit(!,  inserted  upon  the  ovary  al)ove  the  petals,  the  outer  ones 
with  dilated,  petal-like  tiLuuents.  Ovary  18- to  3()-cellfil,  the  concave  sum- 
njit  bearing  at  its  centre  a  tubercle,  from  which  the  stigmas,  equal  in  num- 
ber with  the  cells,  radiate  lik(!  the  spokes  of  a  wheel,  projecting  and  in- 
curving at  the  margin,  forming  a  scalloped  border.  .  Fruit  depressed- 
glol>ular,  many-celled,  many-seeded,  covered  with  the  bases  of  the  decayed 
petals. 

A  perennial  aquatic  herb,  having  a  rough,  knotty  rhizome  as  largo  as  a 
man's  arm,  from  which  proceed  flower-  and  leaf-stems,  1  to  G  feet  in  length, 
varying  in  this  respect  according  to  the  depth  of  water  in  which  the 
specimen  grows.  Leaves  orbicular,  conlate-deft  to  the  base  of  the  petiole, 
Avliieh  is  insertcul  about  the  centre,  (!  to  10  inches  wide,  tlu*  margin  entire, 
the  upper  surface  dark,  glossy  green,  repelling  water,  the  under  lighter 
green  tinged  with  crimson  or  purple  ;  petioles  in  section  nearly  semicir- 
cular, very  flexible,  porous,  the  pores  filled  with  air  to  buoy  the  leaves  up 
and  permit  them  to  float  easily  upon  the  surface  of  the  watei*.  Flower- 
stems  round,  otherwise  resembling  the  petioles,  retracting  after  flowering, 
so  tliat  tlie  fruit  matures  under  water.  Flowers  solitary,  3  to  5.^  inches 
in  diameter,  white,  rarely  pink  or  rose-c!olored,  very  sweet  scented,  open- 
ing enrly  in  the  morning  and  closing  in  the  aiternoon  for  several  days 
in  succession.  The  season  of  flowering  extends  throughout  the  summer, 
from  June  to  September. 

Habitat. — The  margins  of  lakes,  ponds,  and  slow-flowing  streams  with 
muddy  bottoms  fror!i  Can  ida  to  the  (xulf  of  Mexico,  often  covering  the 
surface  of  the  water  for  acres  in  extent,  and  presenting  a  scene  of  rare 
loveliness.  Indeed,  there  is  only  one  other  aciuatic  plant  indigenous  to 
North  America  (Nelumbiuin  hitcinii — Water  GhiiHinepin)  at  all  compar- 
able to  this  in  beauty.  The  latter  belongs  to  the  same  order  and  grows 
in  similar  situations,  but  is  rare  and  local  east  of  the  Alleghanies. 

Part  Used. — The  rhizome — not  official. 

Constitiientii. — The  rhizome  of  the  water-lily  has  an  extremely  astrin- 
gent and  bitter  taste,  the  astringency  being  due  to  the  presence  of  tannio 
and  gallic  acids,  which  are  its  only  medicimd  constituents. 


84 


SAUIIACKNIACE.E. 


Prrparnllima. — Tlirrn  nro  ncitlicr  oHicijil  nor  roitimorrial  propfirnlions  ; 
niid  cvfu  the  rlji/.omc  ituclf  is  stiduiii  kept  by  the  .-ipotlRcurit'S. 

jMt'iiical  I'rnpi'iiics  uml  Txcs,— llcconlH  of  the  eiiiployment  of  tliis 
pliiiit  uri'  oxti'emt'ly  meag^rc  in  njciliciil  literature.  It  lias  been  used  as  au 
nstrinj'ent  in  dysentery,  diarrlio-.i,  and  calarrlial  alVections,  in  the  hist- 
nanied  caHes  botli  infernally  and  loeally.  It  has  also  been  enii)l()yed 
iojiically  as  a  disctitient,  and  as  an  astringent  ])onltieo  to  suppurating- ul- 
eers.  As  it  depends  for  its  etheaey  upon  the  tannie  and  {jjallie  aeids  wliieh 
it  contains,  it  is  hardly  worthy  of  consideration  when  a  clioice  of  remediea 
is  to  bo  made. 

SARRACENIACE/E. 

Cliarncler  (>/'  tin-  Ortler. — Perennial  bog  or  marsh  plauts,  with  hollow, 
pitcher-like,  or  trumpct-,shap(Hl  radical  leaves  and  hypogyuous,  polyau- 
drouH  flowers. 

A  small  and  iininiportaiit  though  curious  oi-der  of  plants,  conip,rising 
but  three  g(>nera,  of  whi(;h  two,  Sarracenia  and  Darlingtouia,  are  indigenous 
to  North  America. 

SARRACENIA.— PiTCUEa-rLANT, 

Character  of  the  Ckixns — Sepals  5,  witli  3  bractlets  at  tlieir  base,  col- 
orf<l.  persistent.  Petals  5,  oblong  or  obovate,  inenrvful  upon  the  ovar}', 
colored,  deciduor.s.     JJoth  sepals  and  petals  arc  imbric^ate  in  ieijtivati(» 

Stamens  indeiinite  in  number,  hypogynous  ;  anthers 
oblong,  aduate,  2-celled,  bursting  internally  and  longi- 
tudinally. Ovary  solitary,  5-celled,  many-ovuled  ;  style 
short,  expamled  at  its  summit  into  a  large,  5-angled, 
lunbrella-sliaped  lamina,  with  a  small,  incurved  stigma 
at  each  angle.  Capsule,  crowned  by  the  persistent 
style,  5-celled,  each  cell  opening  by  a  locuiicidal  valve. 
Seeds  very  numerous,  minute,  attached  to  5  2:)lacenta3 
which  project  from  the  axis  into  the  cavity  of  the  cells. 
Perennial  herbs,  witli  short,  tilirous-roolod  rhizomes, 
radical,  hollow,  pitcher-like,  or  trumpet-shaped  leaves, 
and  naked  scapes,  bearing  each  a  si^igle  nodding  flower. 
Sarracenia  purpurea  Linne. — Fitcher -Plant,  Side- 
saddli'  F/oirer. 

Defieripfion. — Calyx  :  sepals  1  inch  long,  half  as  wide, 
brcnvnish-red  or  purplish  externally,  greenish  within. 
Corolla  :  petals  longer  and  narrower  than  the  sepals, 
contr.icted  toward,  dilated  at,  the  base,  lighter  in 
color  externally  than  the  sepals,  still  lighter  within,  folding  inward,  and 
nearly  concealing  the  expanded  style.  Stamens  numerous,  completely 
covered    by   the   style,    which  is   1   inch  or  more   wide,   light   grayish- 


Fio.  l02.~SaiT.ic('niii 
pni'imria. 


SAUIIACKNIA — riTCIIKU-PLANT.  85 

grctii ;  niipjlos  cmargiiuitp,  tho  siimll,  hooked  sti^^mas  projecting  down- 
Wfvril  from  the  angles  of  tho  notches.  S;?apo  siniijle,  sniootli,  about  1  foot 
liigli,  surrounded  at  its  base  by  a  cluster  of  about  half  si  dozen  leaves, 
wliich  are  pitclier-liko  in  form,  upon  short  clasping  jx-tiolcs,  dilated 
al)ov<',  and  tciMuinated  by  an  erect,  round,  heiirt-shaped  hood,  lined  with 
still'  bristly  hairs,  pointing  downward.  The  openings  of  the  le;ues  are  di- 
rected upward  in  such  manner  as  to  (lollec^t  rain-drops,  and  thdr  cavities 
nre  generally  about  full  of  Avatcr.  A  fnlly  developed  leaf  will  contain  a 
half  ounce  or  more  of  liquid.  Owing  to  the  downward  direction  of  tho 
hairs  lining  tho  mouths  of  the  pitchers,  insectts  falling  into  them  aro 
unable  to  get  out,  and  it  has  been  contended  by  some  that  the  i)Luit 
derives  a  part  of  its  nourishment  by  a  sort  of  digestion  of  insects  thus  caj)- 
turod  and  drowned.     The  Howers  are  proi]uced  v.i  June. 

IMtiiat. — In  cold  bogs  and  marshes,  from  Hudson's  Bay  to  Florida. 
Quite  common  about  the  margins  of  ponds  in  tamarack  swamps, 

Sarracenia  fluVa  Linne.  —  Traiiipii-lraf,  Waldn'x. 

JJcacriptioii. — Leaves  erect,  2  to  '>\  feet  long,  trumpet-shapod,  narrowly 
Avinged ;  lamina  3  to  -4  inches  wide  yellow,  erect,  orbicular,  slender- 
pointed,  tomentose  ■within,  leddish  at  tho  base,  or  reticulated  with  purple 
veins.  Scapes  as  long  as  tho  leaves.  Flowers  4  to  5  inches  wide,  yellow, 
appearing  in  April  and  May. — Cluipman. 

Sarracenia  variolaris  Mkhmw.  —Spoiled  Trumpci-Lcaf. 

De.srriptUm. — Loaves  erect,  trumpet-shaped,  broadly  winged,  sjiotted 
with  white  near  tho  yellowish  summit ;  lamina  ovate,  concave,  an^hing 
over  tho  oritico  of  the  tube,  hairy  and  reticulated  with  purple  veins 
Avithin.  Flowers  2  inches  Avide,  yellow,  on  sc'apes  shorter  than  the  leaves, 
api)earing  in  IM-iy.— Cluipman. 

Ilubitrif. — The  two  species  of  j'clloAv-ilowcrod  sarracenia  grow  in  low, 
wet  pine  barrens,  from  North  Carolina  to  Florida  and  Avestward. 

Parts  Used.  —  The  rhizom'^  and  rootlets — not  official. 

Consfifni-nts. — Analyses  of  these  plants  by  ditlerent  chemists  have 
yielded  ditforent  results.  Professor  U.  C.  Shop  ird  found  "  an  acid  f)r  au 
acid  salt,  and  also  an  astringcuit  property,  due  neither  to  tannic  nor  gallic 
acid,  and  a  salt  of  some  alkal  )id,  related  perhaps  to  cinchonia,  Avhich, 
should  it  prove  uoav,  may  be  called  sarraceniu  "  (Porcher).  Stan.  Martin 
obtained  a  bitter  alkaloid,  sarraccniiia,  Avhose  sulphate  is  crystalliziible,  and 
F.  Schmidt  isolated  an  acid  yellow  coloring  matter,  sanwu'nic  acid.  So 
far  as  ascertained,  the  proximate  principles  obtained  by  analysis  have  not 
been  subjected  to  therapeutic  experimentation. 

Preparationii. — There  are  neither  official  nor  commercial  pi'eparations. 
The  powdered  root  may  be  administered  in  substance,  or  a  tincture  or  in- 
fusion may  be  employed. 

Mddicnl  Prnpertii'!^  and  Use.^. — According  to  Dr.  Porcher,  sarracenia  is 
used  to  a  considerable  extent  in  the  Southern  States  as  a  bitter  tonic  and 


86  PAPAVERACE^ 

Btomo,chic  in  dyspeptic  aflfectionn.  In  over-doses  it  produced  in  his  own 
person  some  corebnil  disturbance,  which  he  atti'ibuted  to  the  presence  of 
a  narcotic  princi2:)le.  And  to  this  narcotic  principle  lie  attributed  also 
some  of  the  rehef  obtained  by  use  of  the  plant  in  painful  indigestion. 

PAPAVERACEiE. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Annual  oi  ijerennial  herbs,  with  a  thi<'k  colored 
or  milky  juice;  regular  flowers,  the  parts  in  twos  or  fours,  luimerous  hy- 
pogynous  stamens,  n,iid  a  1-celled  ovary,  with  2  or  more  jiarietal  placenttc. 
Sepals  usually  2,  rarely  3,  falling  when  the  bud  opens.  Petals  4  to  12, 
rarely  moro,  spreading,  commonly  crumpled  in  the  bud,  and  of  short  du- 
ration. Fruit  a  dry  capsule  or  pod,  containing  numerous  small,  oily  seeds. 
Leaves  altcriiate,  without  stipules  ;  commonly  covered  with  a  bloom.  Pe- 
duncles geiierallv  1-flcwcred. 

A  fami'.y  of  plants  represented  in  the  United  States  by  about  a  dozen 
genera,  comprising  altogether  a  not  much  greater  number  of  species,  of 
■which  but  t,wo  are  of  any  medicinal  importance.  Indeed,  the  entire  order 
as  distributed  over  the  globe  is,  with  a  few  notable  exceptions— chiefly  pa- 
paver  and  sanguinaria — coniparatively  unimportant,  either  medicinally  or 
e(!onomically.  They  generally  possess  acrid  and  more  or  less  narcotic 
properties. 

SANGUIK  ARI  A. — BLOonnooT. 

Sanguinaria  Canadensis  Linne. — Bloodroot. 

Descriplion. — Calyx  :  sepala  2,  light  green,  falling  as  the  bud  opens. 
Corolla  :  petals  8  to  1.2  or  more,  one-half  to  1  inch  long,  oblong-spatulate, 
spreading,  white  or  slightly  rose-tinted,  increasing  in  size  for  two  or  three 
days  after  the  bud  opens,  and  then  falling  away.  Stamens  about  24,  in 
several  rows,  much  shorter  than  the  petals,  those  in  the  inner  rows  long- 
est ;  anthers  naiTow,  opening  longitudinally.  Ovary  linear-oblong,  1- 
celled  ;  style  short,  stigma  2-grooved.  Capsule  oblong,  pointed  at  both 
ends,  tipped  with  the  style,  1-celled,  2-valved.  Seeds  numerous,  roundish, 
smooth,  with  a  prominent  ridge  along  the  raphe. 

An  herbaceous  pei'ennial,  having  a  thick,  fleshy,  fibrous-rooted  rhizome, 
1  to  3  inches  long,  from  whicii  are  sent  up  in  early  spring  one  or  more  simple, 
round  scapes,  each  bearing  a  single  flower,  which  exponds  in  advance  of 
the  unfolding  of  the  leaf  enc^losing  it  as  it  emerges  from  the  ground.  The 
leaves,  all  radical,  are,  when  first  unfolded,  about  7-lobed,  but  become, 
later  in  the  seasoii,  broadly  reniforra,  and  attain  a  breadth  of  (>  to  7  inches. 
They  are  borne  upon  long  channelled  petioles,  are  dark  shining  green  above, 
grayish-green  and  strongly  reticulated  beneath.  The  rhizome  is  reddish- 
brown  externally,  paler  within,  and  pours  out,  when  wounded,  an  abun- 
dance of  i-eddish  oraug'^-colored  juice,  whence  the  common  name  of  the 


PLATE 


■loll  11  son.  Del. 


SANGUINARIA   CANADENSIS. 


H    HKWi-Kn,,., 


Plate  Ill.-Sanguinaria  Canadensis. 

Fig.   l.-Flow.ring  plant,  l.alf  luitural  si.e. 
Fio.  2. -Pistil  and  stamens,  natural  size. 
P-o.  3.-Cross.section  of  rhizome,  natural  size. 


i 


SANOUII!^ARIA BLOODKOOT.  87 

plant.  Nor  is  thr  colored  juice  cliiinioteristic  of  the  root  only  ;  it  occiu-h 
in  tlie  leaves  and  ilowers  as  well. 

Habitat. — In  rich,  open  woods  from  Canada  to  Florida  and  westward  to 
the  Mississippi.  Formerly  very  connnon,  it  is  becoming  rapidly  scarcer, 
and  in  the  cultivated  parts  of  the  Atlantic  States  will  ere  long  be  consid- 
ered comparatively  rare.  In  the  latitude  of  N(!\v  York  it  blooms  about 
the  middle  of  April,  and,  like  many  of  our  early  l)loon  ing  plants,  is  of 
short  duration.  I;i  favorable  localities  the  first  blossoms  are  (piickly  suc- 
ceeded by  myriads,  so  that  the  ground  is  almost  white  with  them,  jn-e- 
senting  a  most  charming  aspect.  , 

Fart  Cffd. — The  rhizome — United  Sfatex  Phannacofyocia. 

Constitnents. — Sanguinaria  has  a  bitter,  acrid  taste,  which  persists  for 
some  time,  accompanied  by  a  sensation  of  constriction  and  irritation  in  the 
throat.  This  is  most  evident  in  the  fresh  rhizome,  but  does  not  disappear 
from  the  dried  drug,  which  in  powder  is  exti'emely  irritating  to  the  res- 
piratory tract  if  inhaled.  These  irritant  properties  appear  to  reside 
mainly  in  an  alkaloid,  Hamjainarinu,  which  possesses  them  to  an  intense 
d^'gree.  This,  when  pure,  is  in  white  verru(!ose  or  needle-shaped  crystals, 
soluble  in  botli  alcoliol  and  ether,  and,  with  acids,  forms  salts  of  a  bright 
red  color.  Two  other  alkaloids  and  a  peculiar  acid  have  also  been  found 
in  the  drug,  but  sanguinarina  appears  to  bo  the  chief  medicinal,  as  it  is 
the  only  connnercial,  constituent. 

Pir.paralionx. — Acetuni  sanguinariso — vinegar  of  sanguinaria  ;  extrac- 
tum  sanguiuariixj  tluidum — thiid  extrac^t  of  sanguinaria  ;  tinctura  sangui- 
naria;— tincture  of  sanguinaria.  —  ('iiilcd  Statcti  riuinnacopd'ia. 

Medical  Propeiiieft  and  C-^ex.  —In  very  small  doses  sanguinaria  exerts  a 
tonic  influence,  promoting  gastro-intestinal  secretion  iuid  tlms  aiding  di- 
gestion. It  is  sometimes  employed  in  this  manner  in  dyspcjjsia,  with 
asserted  benefit.  It  is  not,  however,  as  a  tonic  that  it  exerts  its  greatest 
influence,  but  as  an  expectorant  in  diseases  of  the  resjnratory  organs. 
In  these  cases  it  is  employed  in  much  larger  doses  than  when  its  tonio 
effects  are  desired.  In  still  larger  doses  it  is  emetic,  and  both  too  power- 
ful and  violent  to  be  employed  with  safety.  In  over-doses  it  produces 
excessive  prostration,  insensibility,  irregularity  and  feebleness  of  the  pulse, 
and  even  fatal  collapse.  The  dry  powder  is  sometimes  nsed  as  a  sternuta- 
tory in  chronic  nasid  catarrh,  and  it  Avas  formerlv  employed  as  a  topical 
application  to  ulcers  to  repress  fungous  granulations  or  to  excite  indolent 
sores  to  greater  and  more  healthy  activity. 

That  sanguinaria  Avas  formerly  highly  esteemed  by  the  medical  profes- 
sion -inerally,  will  become  evident  to  the  reader  of  our  past  and  even 
present  literature  ;  that  it  is  comparatively  little  used  here  in  tlie  East  now 
is  none  the  less  apparent  and  true.  Whether  this  is  to  be  atti-ibute<l  to  a 
mere  change  in  therapeutic  fashions  or  to  a  prefei'ence  for  exjiectoranta  of 
a  milder  character,  is  not  easy  to  decide.     At  any  rate,  sanguinaria  ap- 


88 


I»APAVERACE^. 


pears  to  have  followed  antimony  and  aciuill  into  comparative  and  probably 
unmerited  disuse. 

CIIEIilDONIUM.— Celandine. 

Chelidonium  majus  lAnne.— Celandine. 

Dcticriptioii. — Calyx  :  sopiils  2,  ovate,  yellowish,  caducous.  Corolla : 
petals  4,  sub-orbicular,  contracted  at  the  base,  yellow,  early  deciduous. 
Stamens  indefinite  in  number,  hypogyuous,  shorter  than  the  jjctals  ;  an- 
thers 2-lobed.  Ovary  elongated,  cylindrical,  slightly  bent,  composed  of  2 
carpels  separated  by  an  incomplote  partiliou,  many-ovuled  ;  stylo  veiy  short, 
the  2-lobed  stigma appai-ently  sessile  upon  the  ovary.  Fruit  a  dxv  jjod,  lin- 
ear, 2-valved,  the  valves  opening  from  below 
upward,  becoming  detached  and  leaving  the 
dissepiment  persistent  iijion  the  stem. 

An  herbaceous  perennial,  with  a  fusiform 
root,  ei'ect,  branching,  somewhat  hairy  stems, 
1  to  2  foot  1 1 igh,  alternate,  pinnatoly  divided 
or  bi-pinnatitid  leaves,  and  small  flowers  in 
small  jicdunculate  umbels  at  the  summits 
of  the  brivuches.  Leaflets  3  to  7,  the  lobes 
incised,  crcnale,  petiohdate,  or  decurrent 
upon  the  common  petiole,  glabrous  above, 
glaucous  undeinioath.  The  flowers  are  pro- 
duced throughout  the  summer.  All  parts 
of  the  plant  are  pervaded  with  an  acrid, 
saflfron-colored  juice. 

Habitat. — A  native  of  Europe,  celandine 
has  become  fully  naturalized  here,  growing 
about  old  buildings  and  fences  and  along  roadsides. 

Part  Used. — The  entire  jilant — United  States  Pliarniacopoeia. 
ConiititHent>(. — Celandine  has  a  rather  unpleasant  odor,  and  a  persistent, 
aciid,  bitter  taste,  which  is  stronger  in  the  root  than  in  the  leaves.  The 
juice  possesses  the  same  sensible  properties,  though  to  a  more  intense  de- 
gree. The  odor  is  lost  in  drying,  but  the  taste  remains.  An  analysis  of 
the  plant  by  Probst  yielded  a  peculiar  acid,  chelidonia,  two  alkaline  jjrinci- 
ples,  the  one,  chelerythrine,  forming  salts  with  acids,  the  other,  cheledonine, 
uniting  with  acids  without  neutralizing  them,  and  finally  a  neutral  crj's- 
tallizable,  bitter  principle  termed  chelido.ranthin.  Chelerythrine  is  said  to 
be  an  acrid  narcotic  poison,  while  cheledonine  has  been  shown  to  be  iden- 
tical with  mn(juinarine,  the  most  important  constituent  of  bloodroot. 

Preparations. — Tliere  are  no  official  preparations.  The  expressed  juice 
is  very  active,  and  affords  a  convenient  mode  of  administration  when  ob- 
tainable. Tlie  dried  root  or  herb  may  be  administered  in  substance,  de- 
coction, or  infusion,  or  a  watery  extract  may  be  employed. 


Fio.  103.— Chelidonium  majus. 


DICENTIIA.  ■  80 

Medical  Properties  and  Vse^. — In  medicinal  dosos  celandine  is  diapho- 
retic, diuretic,  expectorant,  and  purgative  ;  in  over-doses  it  is  an  acrid  nai-- 
cotic  poison,  producing  not  only  excessive  jnirgalion  but  great  cerebi'al 
disturbance.  It  bears,  therefore,  a  close  analogy  in  its  action  to  sangui- 
}iaria.  In  both,  the  acrid-properties  are  nnich  more  apparent  than  the  nar- 
cotic, so  that  fatal  effects  may  bo  pi'odu(!ed  boforn  narcotic  synij)tonis  bo- 
come  very  e^•ident.  In  this  rcspe(^t  they  are  in  marked  contrast  with  tho 
poppy,  a  member  of  the  same  order  of  plants,  whose  stimulating  properties 
are  of  secondary  importance  compared  with  its  narcotic  influence. 

Celandine  is  a  remedy  which  has  (!ome  down  to  us  from  the  fathers  of 
medicine,  and  is  interesting  chiefly  on  acc^ount  c^f  its  historical  associations, 
for  it  is  seldom  employed  at  tho  present  day.  Its  action,  asoiitlined  above, 
suffices  to  intlicato  tho  classes  of  cases  to  which  it  is  ajjplicable,  but  a  cata- 
logue of  the  diseases  in  which  it  has  been  employed  woidd  be  formidable. 
As  a  drastic  purgative  it  was  formerly  used  in  dropsy  ;  and  it  was  espe- 
cially esteemed  in  jaundice,  an  idea  which,  as  Woodville  remarks,  probably 
had  its  origin  in  the  absurd  doctrine  of  signatures,  thf)ugh  there  can  bo 
little  doubt  that  it  miglit,  through  its  stimulant  properties,  be  of  occasional 
benefit  in  this  condition.  Tlie  fresh  juice  has  been  used  as  a  topical  aj)- 
plication  to  corns  and  warts  and  in  the  squamous  stages  of  various  skin 
diseases.  It  requires  to  be  employed  with  caution,  for  it  is  extremely  irri- 
tating. 

FUMARIACE/E. 

Character  of  I  Jin  Order. — Herbs  with  brittle  stems,  watery  juice,  alter- 
nate, dissected,  exstipulate  leaves,  and  irregular,  unsymmetrical  flowers. 
Sei^als  2,  deciduous.  Petals  4,  cruciate,  irregular,  one  or  two  of  them  saccate 
or  spurred,  and  the  two  inner  ones  often  cohering  at  the  apex  so  as  to  in- 
clude the  anthers  and  stigma.  Stamens  6,  in  two  sets  of  three  each,  placed 
opposite  the  larger  petals,  hypogynous,  the  filaments  oft(;n  united  ;  the 
middle  anther  of  each  set  2-celled,  the  outer  ones  1-celled.  Ovary  1 -celled  ; 
style  fiUform  ;  stigma  with  2  or  more  points.  Fruit  a  1-celled  pod,  either 
1-seeded  and  indehiscent  or  several-seeded  with  two  parietal  placentse. 

An  unimportant  though  interesting  oi'der  of  plants,  closely  allied  to 
the  impaiKraceiv.  in  general  structure,  but  having  watery  instead  of  milky 
juice.  Tliere  are  but  three  strictly  North  American  genera,  namely,  Adlu- 
mia,  Corydalis,  and  Dicentra.  Fumaria,  though  fioiu'ishing  here  without 
cultivation,  is  not  indigenous,  but  has  been  introdrced  from  Evu'ope. 

• 

DICENTRA. 

Dicentra  Canadensis  De  Candolle  {Corydalis  formosa  Pursh). — 
Squirrel  Corn,  Tiirkei/  Corn.  • 

Description.— Coiiy}!. :  sepals  2,  small  and  scale-like,  deciduous.    Corolla : 


_!^E_„. 


90  FITJrARIACE.E. 

petals  4,  sli.Li^liily  pnlioront,  llio  two  outer  oqtmlly  si-inrrod,  tlio  spiirs  short, 
roiiiulod,  obtuse,  Kli<^fhtly  iiuuirved,  f^iviiifjj  the  whole  ii  sojiicwhiU  hoiirt- 
Hhixped  outline  ;  inner  petulswitha  iirojeeting,  couHpicuouH  crest.  Htuniens 
in  two  sets,  with  tiluinents  united.  Stigmas  2-crcsted  and  somewhat  2- 
horned.     Tod  10-  to  2()-seeded. 

A  low,  sniootli,  stemleKsperciinial,  whose  tuider<^i"ound  shoots  bear  small 
vellow  tubers,  resenil)luig  pi  as  or  kernch  of  Indian  corn,  whence  the  com- 
mon names.  Leaves  all  radical,  10  to  12  inclies  high,  bi-ternate,  the  leaf- 
Icts  d(Hply  pinnatitid,  the  lobes  linear-oblong,  sub-glaucous.  Scape  f!  to 
10  inches  high,  simple,  smootli.  Flowers  4  to  10,  nodding,  fragrant, 
greenish-white  tinged  with  rose-color,  appearing  in  May  and  June. 

Jfahilnl. — In  rich  woods  from  Canada  to  Pennsylvania,  Kentucky  and 
westward  ;  most  comnuju  northward. 

Part  C}<>'(1, — The  rhizome — not  oflicial. 

Conslitueiiffi. — Dicentra  has  a  faint,  peculiar  odor  and  a  characteristic 
slightly  bitter  taste,  Avhich  is  quite  persistent,  and  for  some  time  greatly 
increases  the  flow  of  srdiva.  It  has  yielded  to  analysis  an  alkaloid  termed 
cori/dali}),  together  with  a  pecidiar  acid,  a  volatile  oil,  a  tasteless  and  an 
acrid  resin,  bitter  extractive,  and  ordinary  vegetable  constituents.  A  com- 
mercial article,  improperly  termed  corydaUn,  in  considerably  used  by  eclec- 
tic practitioners,  and  is  said  to  fairly  represent  the  medicinal  constituents 
of  the  plant.  It  is  pi-ejiared  from  the  alcoholic  tinctiire  by  precipitation, 
and  is  an  impure  resinous  sid)stance. 

Pirjiaratioiiti. — None  are  official.  It  may  be  administered  in  infusion, 
tinctui'e,  or  extract,  or  in  the  fonn  of  the  so-called  corydalin. 

Medical  ProperticH  and  i'si'^;. — Dicentra  is  said  to  be  tonic,  diuretic,  and 
alterative.  As  a  tonic  King  considers  its  action  similar  to  gentian  and 
colond)o,  or  other  pure  bitters  ;  and  its  alterative  properties  "in  syphilis, 
especially  in  the  constitutional  form,  Avhen  occurring  in  debilitated  or 
bi'oken-down  constitutions  .  .  .  not  equalled  by  any  other  agent." 
Not,  however,  because  "it  exerts  any  real  influence  as  an  antisyphilitic, 
properly  so  called,"  but  simply  in  the  office  of  an  alterative  tonic.  Though 
the  evidence  in  favor  of  its  efficacy  as  a  remedy  must  necessarily  be  col- 
lected chiefly  from  eclectic  sources,  there  is  enough  of  it  to  justify  the 
conclusion  that  dicentra  is  not  inert,  but,  on  the  contrary,  is  worthy  of 
more  cax-ef  ul  examination  than  it  has  hitherto  received. 

FUMARI  A.  — FuMiTonv. 

Fumaria  officinalis  Linne. — Common  Fmnitori/. 

DeRc.r>i)lion. — Calyx  :  sejDals  2,  ovate-lanceolate,  acute,  sharply  toothc(', 
shorter  than  the  corolla,  caducous.  Corolla  :  petals  4,  the  upper  one  of 
the  outer  pair  spurred  at  the  base,  the  lateral  pair  cohei'ing  at  their  tips 
and  forming  a  quadrangular  mouth.    Stamens  6,  in  two  sets  of  three  each. 


FUMARIA — FUMITORY. 


91 


Ovjxry  oval ;  sty  •  filiform,  nl)out  nw  k)n<j;  ns  the  stamcna,  deciduous.     I'od 
roiuidisli,  some      at  heart-sliaijcd,  l-Hood(!d,  iudt'luHocnt. 

A  small,  leafy,  murh-bviincluHl  annual,  about  1  foot  hi^li.  Loaves  Li- 
pinuato,  tlio  pinuulu'  mostly  IJ-lolunl,  of  a  pale  green  color.  Flowers 
small,  reddish-purple,  in  dense  spikes  (r  racemes. 

J/dhifat. — A  native  of  Europe  but  natuvfilizeil  hero,  <j;ri)wiug  in  waste 
places  about  dwellings  aud  in 
cultivated  grounds. 

J'urt  i'scd. — The  herb — not 
official. 

C'onsfituenln. — Fumitoi*yhas 
a  bitter,  disirgreeablo  taste, 
strongly  marlied  in  the  fresh 
herb  aud  still  more  so  in  the 
dried  specimen.  It  has  yielded 
to  analysis  a  peculiar  crystal- 
lizablo  acid,  tei'uied  fnma7'w 
acid,  and.  an  alkaloid,  also 
crystiiUiue,  termed  faniarine. 
Tliese  arc  supposed  to  be  the 
active  constituents  of  the  plant, 
but  experiments  in  support  of 
the  supposition  appear  to  bo 
lacking. 

rrepnrations. — None  are  of- 
ficial. The  expressed  juice  of 
the  fresh  plant  is  an  efficient 
l)reparation  ;  the  decoction  and 
infusion  are  also  eligible  forms 
of  administration. 

3[t'dical  ProDerties  and  Use/'. 
—  Fumitory  was  highly  es- 
teemed by  the  ancients  as  a  blood  purifier,  and  was  also  believed  to  exert 
a  special  influence  upon  the  eyes.  In  more  recent  times  it  has  been  re- 
garded as  tonic  and  depurative,  and  as  being  si)ecially  beneficial  in  dis- 
eises  of  the  skin.  At  one  time  or  another  it  has,  therefore,  been  em- 
ployed with  asserted  benefit  in  a  great  variety  of  cases.  Cullen  found  it 
more  beneficial  in  skin  diseases  thnn  in  any  other  class  of  cases.  Others 
have  used  it  in  scrofulous  and  scorbutic  affi3ctions  ;  others  as  a  vermifuge, 
though  as  Cazin  remarks,  it  is  no  more  anthelmintic  than  other  bitters. 
It  is  sometimes  employed  externally  in  cutaneous  affections,  in  the  form 
of  a  decoction  made  by  boiling  the  plant  in  milk. 


Fio.  lO'l.-  Funiarin  oflficinnlia. 


99 


CUUCIFKIliE. 


CRUCIFER^. 


Charndrr  of  Ihe  Order. — Hrrl)S  with  altornnto,  pxstipulute  leftvos,  cnici- 
forin  Howei-H  iii  tennimU  racemeH  oi*  corymbs,  iind  a  pun^eut,  acrid,  watery 
juice.  Sepals  4,  deciduouH.  Petaln  4,  liyijopfynoiw,  placed  ojjposite  eacii 
other  ill  pairs,  their  liiubs  si^rcadiug  und  lonniii}^-  a  cross.  Stamens  (Ji 
four  of  c([nal  lenfj^th  placed  in  pairs  oppoHito  each  oth(;r,  the  remaining 
two,  shorter,  placed  beneath  tliem  and  opjjosite  each  other.  Ovary  of  2 
united  carpels,  witli  2  parietal  2)lacentie,  separated  by  a  membranaceous 
partition  ;  stylo  short  or  absent,  often  persistent  ;  stigmas  2,  opposite  the 
placenta?.  Fruit  a  siliipie  or  silide,  usually  2-celled,  rarely  1-celled  1-  to 
many-seeded,  dehiscent  by  the  separation  of  the  valves  from  the  persistent 

placenta',  ov  occasionally 
indehiscent,  and  either 
lomentaceous  or  nucu- 
mentaceoiis.  Seeds  cam- 
pylotropous,  gene  ra  lly 
pcndnlous,  attached  in  a 
single  row  to  each  side 
of  the  placenta.  Embryo 
with  cotyledons  variously 
folded  on  the  radicle. 

This  is  a  very  natural 
and  easily  recognized  fam- 
ily of  plants,  the  cruciform 
flowers  (Fig.  105)  and  pe- 
culiarly arranged  stamens 
(Fig.  lOG)  sening  for  im- 
mediate identification  of  the  order.  Tlio  identitication  of  the  genera  is, 
however,  quite  another  matter.  Here  the  characters  are  taken  from  the 
pods  and  seeds,  and  in  some  instances  are,  to  the  beginner  at  least,  very 
pei'plexing. 

All  the  cn'.ifers  possess,  to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  acrid  and  instat- 
ing properties,  but  none  of  them  are  positively  poisonous.  The  acrid 
principle  is  usually  of  a  volatile  character,  somewhat  dissipated  in  drying 
and  entirely  so  l)y  boiling.  Though  generally  present  in  all  jiarts  of  the 
plant,  it  is  often  most  concentrated  in  the  seeds,  and  may  be  obtained 
from  many  of  them  by  distillation  in  the  form  of  a  volatile  oil.  Whatever 
of  medicinal  importance  the  order  may  have  is  imdoubtedly  due  to  the 
acrid  pi'inciple  present,  and  this  appears  to  act  merely  by  virtue  of  its 
stimulant  and  irritant  properties.  Hence  all  statements  attributing  spe- 
cific \artues  to  any  plant  of  the  order  should  be  viewed  with  suspicion. 
There  is  no  one  order  in  the  vegetable  kingdom  of  more  strongly  mai'ked 


Fio.  ir5. — form  of  (lowrr  com- 
mon tu  tlio  Cniciferio. 


Fio.  106.  — Arranf'o- 

mrnt  of  stuuuMis  tom- 
niouto  Um  Criioircrii". 


NAHTUUTIUM. 


93 


clmrnctoristios,  both  of  or<]fanu'  Htniotiiro  and  rlipmioal  composition,  than 
this;  and  honco  to  know  a  singUi  plant  of  th(^  family  will — lor  example, 
nuiHtard — is  to  know  tlu-m  all.  Many  of  them — for  instance,  the  ('al)ba<.(e 
and  turnip — havo  been  modified  to  a  considerable  extent  by  long  cultivo- 
tion,  and  havo  become  valuable  articles  of  food. 


NASTURTIUM. 


Character  of  the  Oeyius. — Pod  a  silicjue  or  silicde,  liucar-oblonpf  or  glob- 
ular, nearly  or  quite  roinid.  Seeds  small,  nunjcrous,  marginlcss,  in  two 
irregular  rows  in  each  cell.  Cotyledons  accund)cnt.  Annual,  biennial,  or 
perennial  herbs,  aquatic  or  growing  in  marshes  and  wet  i)laces,  with  Avhito 
or  yellow  ilowers,  and  com- 
monly smooth,  shinin;,',  pin- 
nate or  pinnatifid  leaves. 

Nasturtium  officinale 
Itobert  IJrown. —  Walcr-crcfis. 

Description. — Calyx  :  se- 
pals ovate,  caducous.  Co- 
rolla :  petals  white,  twice  the 
length  of  the  sepals.  Siliques 
one-half  to  two-thirds  inch 
long,  bending  upward,  more 
or  less,  on  divergent,  ascend- 
ing pedicels,  of  nearly  the 
same  length.  Root  biennial, 
long,  and  creeping.  Stem 
spreading  and  rooting. 
Leaves  pinnate  ;  leaflets  3  to 
11,  roundish  or  oblong,  near- 
ly entire,  the  terminal  one 
largest. 

Habitat.  — Introduced  from 
Euroi^e,  -where  it  has  long  been  cultivated  as  a  salad.     Escaping  from  cul- 
tivation hero,   it  has  become  estal)lished  in  brooks  and  ditches. 

Nasturtium  Armoracia  Fries  {Gochlearia  ArmoracialAimd). — Horse- 
radish. 

Description. — Calj'x  :  sepals  ovate,  obtuse,  caducous.  Corolla  :  petals 
white,  twice  the  length  of  the  sepals.  Style  very  short,  persistent.  Pod 
nearly  globular,  about  4-seeded,  seldom  attaining  perfection  here  or  in 
Britain.  Root  perennial,  large,  tapering,  (5  to  12  inches  long.  Stem  erect, 
2  to  3  feet  high.  Radical  Jeaves  long  and  large,  crenate,  seldom  pinnat- 
ifid :  stem-leaves  smaller  and  narrower  than  the  radical,  the  lower  ones 
7 


FiQ.  107. — N.isturtiuni  offlcinalo. 


Dl 


ClllTllKIl.K. 


often  (looply  fnntliod  or  pinnntil'ul,  tlm  upper  Innrrnlato,  sparsrly  toothed. 
Flowers  KiiiiiU,  in  minieroiis  raceiues,  forming  i\  toniiiiml  piiuicle, 

//(ihitaf. — lutro.iiu'od  from  Europo  and  cultivate!^  chielly  as  a  roiidi- 
ment.  Kscaj)in}j;  from  cultivation,  it  has  become,  to  Homo  extent,  natural- 
ized. It  ^'rows  best  in  d'-ep,  iid\,  moist  Hoil,  and  when  once  well  estab- 
IihIumI  is  dinicult  to  eradicate. 

Two  wtriclly  indin;enouH  HperioH  of  this  f^emis,  namely,  N.  jxihtxtvr  Do 
Caudolle — Jlur^h-crciiti,  and  iV.  lacualrc  Oniy — ArMorvtxx,  possess  pi-opcriicH 

similar  to  those  deseribed 
above,  but  as  they  ax'o  sel- 
dom, if  ever,  employed,  their 
dchcription  is  omitted. 

i'ar/x  L  'st'd. — Water-eress, 
the  herb  ;  horseradish,  the 
leaves  and  root.  Neither  is 
ofheial. 

(.'(mxlilumls. — 'Water-cress 
distilled  with  wat(r  yields  a 
volatile  oil,  probably  i(le}itieal 
with  volatile  oil  of  mustard  ; 
horseradish,  treated  in  like 
manner,  yields  a  similar  oil, 
havin<^  the  same  ehemical 
composition  as  volatile  oil  of 
mustard,  but  a  Hli^^litly  ditVer- 
ent  odor.  This  oil  does  uot 
pre-exist  in  the  plant,  livt  is 
fornu'd  durin;;'  the  process  of 
distillation,  as  is  the  case  with 
many  other  volatile  oils.  It  is 
intensely  acrid  and  imtating. 
Prcparalions.  —  None  are 
official.  The  exjjressed  juice 
of  water-cress  has  been  ad- 
ministered. Horseradish  is 
generally  employed  in  infusion,  though  there  is  an  official  {British  I'har- 
maco])(via)  preparation,  Sjm'itus  armoracice  compositus — compound  spirit  cf 
horsci'adiiih. 

Medical  Pmpcrh'cs  and  Vnc?.  —"Water-cress,  though  used  chiefly  as  a 
stimulating  salad  to  sharpen  the  appetite  and  aid  digestion,  possesses  mild 
antif:coi"l)utic  properties,  and  is  used  in  domestic  practice  as  a  "  blood 
purifier  "  in  the  spring  of  the  year.  It  probably  acts  simply  as  a  stimulant 
to  the  functions  of  digestion  and  assimilation.  Externally  it  is  sometimes 
employed  os  a  counterirritant.     Horseradish  possesses  properties  similar  to, 


Fio.  lOS. — Nnptiirtinm  Crnchlcnrln)  Annorncla. 


nRASSICA — SIN  APIS.  95 

but  more  intcnso  than  tlioHo  of  wdtcr-cnss.  It  is  oliiofly  used  as  a  stimn- 
latin;^'  coinliinciit.  K/tcrimlly  llio  bniisetl  root,  or  inoro  frequently  the 
leaves  are  used  as  a  ('ounterirritant. 

Tlie  acrid  principles  of  tlieso  plants  ap])ear,  clinically,  to  be  eliniiiiatetl 
by  the  kidneys,  and  lience,  incidentally,  they  produce  a  decided  diuretic 
ert'ect.  The  urine  is  not  only  increased  in  (piantity,  but  partakes  also  of 
the  acrid  character  of  the  phuit  employed.  In  one  case  that  canio  under 
the  author's  observation  the  individual,  thouj^di  in  perfect  health  so  fin-  as 
tlie  {^'cnito-urinary  tract  was  concerned,  sutVered  extremely  from  vesical 
pain  and  irritation  for  hours  after  using  horseradish  as  a  condiment. 

imASSICA.— SiNAl'iH. 

-hnrarfrr  of  thn  Oaius. — Pod  linear,  cylindrical  or  nearly'  so,  smooth 
or  with  stilt"  hairs,  more  or  less  beaked  at  th(!  top,  the  beak  consisting'  of 
the  persistent  style  alone,  or  includinj^' a  portion  of  the  pod  and  a  sinj^do 
seed.  Heeds  f:?lobose,  in  a  single  row ;  the  cotyledons  folded  longitudi- 
nally over  the  radicle. 

Annual  or  biennial  herbs,  smooth  or  bristly,  the  lower  leaves  generally 
deeply  })innat(;  or  lyrate,  tlie  upper  sometimes  entire.  Flowers  yellow,  in 
axillary  and  terminal  racemes. 

No  i)lants  of  this  getuis  are  indigenous  to  North  America,  but  several 
foreign  species  have  become  naturalized,  the  most  important  of  which  a-;o 
described  below, 

Brassica  alba  Boissier  {Siiin])i!<  a/ha  Linne). — ^Vhill^  Jfuslajyl. 

Pr.-'cri'ptloii. — Flowers  rather  large,  ab()i;t  one-half  inch  in  diameter. 
Pods  three-fourths  to  one  inch  long  on  divergent  ascending  jiedicels,  mor'o 
than  half  the  length  occupied  by  the  stout,  llatteued,  often  curved,  1-seeded 
beak  ;  the  valves  and  lower  part  of  the  beak  covered  with  stitl',  bristly  hairs, 
rftem  1  to  2  feet  liigh,  smooth  or  with  stitV  hairs.  Leaves  pinnately  lobed 
or  divi.led,  the  h^bes  ovate  or  obloug,  coarsely  toothed,  the  terminal  one 
largest. 

Ilab'dat. — Introduced  from  Eiu'opo  and  sparingly  naturalized  in  culti- 
vated grounds. 

Brassica  nigra  Koch  (Sinapis  nigra  Linne). — BlacJc  Jfustard. 

Dc^cripliim. — Flowers  smaller  than  in  white  n  nstard.  Pods  about  one- 
half  inch  long,  on  short,  apprcsscd  pedicels,  smooth,  slightly  conical  at  the 
base,  the  apex  tipped  with  the  short,  persistent  style.  Stem  2  to  3  feet 
high,  erect,  freely  branched.  Lower  leaves  deeply  divided,  with  one  large 
ovate  or  oblong  terminal  lobe  and  smaller  lateral  ones  ;  upi)er  leaves  often 
entire. 

Habitat.  — Introduced  from  Europe.  Better  established  than  white  mus- 
tard. 

Part  Ui^ed. — The  seed.  Official  name  :  Sinapis  alba — white  mustai'd  ; 
Siuapis  nigra — black  mustard. —  United  States  Pharmacopoeia. 


96 


CRUCIFEIl^E. 


Conslitucn'it. — The  white  mustarcl-sccd  is  about  oiic-twclfth  of  a.  -  ch 
ill  diuuietcv,  ulinost  globular,  and  of  a  yellowish  color  ;  the  black  mustard- 
seed  one  twenty-tifth  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  similar  shape,  blacldsh- 
broAvii.  Both  yield  a  yellow  powder,  and  both  contain  a  considerable 
percentaoe  of  fixed  oil,  which  is  bland,  inodorous,  and  non-diyiiig.  Thtir 
active  irritating  constituents  are,  however,  though  similar,  far  from  identi- 
cal, that  of  black  mustard  being 
a  volatile  oil,  while  that  of  white 
mustard  cannot  be  obtained  by 
distillation.  In  neither  case 
docs  the  acrid  principle  pre-ex- 
ist in  the  seed,  but  is  formed  by 
chemical  reaction  or  fermen- 
tation of  existing  principles 
when  brought  into  contact  with 
each  other  in  the  presence  of 
water.  The  reaction  dift'cring 
so  widely  in  results  in  the  two 
cases  is  thus  explained  :  Black 
mustard  has  as  one  of  its  constit- 
uents a  crystallizablc  substance 
termed  sinnigi'ui,  which  in  the 
i:)rcsencc  of  another  constituent, 
myrosin,  an  albuminous  body, 
and  water,  is  deconiposed,  yield- 
ing sugar,  bisulphate  of  potas- 
sium, and  the  volatile  oil  of 
mustard.  White  nmstard,  on 
the  other  hand,  though  contain- 
ing miji'osin,  has  instead  of  sinnigrin  a  similar  complex  substance,  termed 
sinciUnn,  which  is  decomposed  by  mijrosin  in  the  presence  of  water,  yield- 
ing sugar,  sulphate  of  sinapin,  and  sulphocyanate  of  acrinyl,  the  latter 
being  the  acrid  principle. 

Prqwi'adons. — Of  Avhite  mustard,  none  ;  of  black  mustard,  Charta 
sinapis — mustard  paper, —  United  States  Pharmacopccia. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — These  are  too  well  known  to  require 
more  than  mere  mention.  As  an  aid  to  digestion  it  is  used  in  every 
household.  As  a  prompt  and  efficient  emetic  it  is  almost  always  at  hand 
and  the  first  to  be  employed  in  emergencies.  As  a  rubefacient  its  sphere 
of  usefulness  is  practically  unlimited. 

CAPSELLA. 

Capsella  Bursa-pastoris  Moench  [Thlaspi  Bursa-pastoris  Liune),— 
Shepherd's  Purse. 


Tio.  10!). — niassica  (sinapis)  nigra. 


CAPSELLA. 


07 


Description. — Flowers  small,  white.  Pods  obcordate-triangular,  flat- 
tened at  right  angles  to  the  iiartition,  wingless,  each  valve  10-  to  12-.-ieoded, 
in  long,  loose  racemes.     Cotyledons  incumbent. 

A  small  ainiual,  with  an  erect,  hairy  stem 
and  a  long,  tapering  root,  lladical  leaves 
clustered,  pinnatitid  or  toothed,  rarely  entire  ; 
stem-leaves  oblong  or  lanceolate,  entire  or 
toothed,  clasping  the  stem  with  projecting 
auricles.  It  flowers  from  early  spring  until 
winter. 

Habifat. — A  native  of  Europe  or  West- 
ern Asia,  it  has  followed  man  into  almost 
every  extra-tropical  region  and  become  one 
of  the  commonest  weeds  known. 

I'avl  6>cv/.—  -The  herb — not  official. 

Conditnents.  —  Shepherd's  purse  has  a 
pungent,  bitter  taste,  and  on  dis'tillation 
yields  a  volatile  oil  identical  with  oil  of  mus- 
tard. 

Prrparations. — There  are  none.  The  ex- 
pressed juice  or  infusion  may  be  employed. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — This  plant 
has  been  used  as  a  tonic,  astringent,  and 
antiscorbutic.  There  is  perhaps  more  tes- 
timony in  support  of  its  efficacy  as  an  as- 
tringent in  hemorrhages  from  the  lungs, 
kidneys,  bladder,  uterus,  etc.,  than  for  any  other  purpose,  but  even  this 
testimony  is  incomplete  and  unsatisfactory.  Once  highly  esteemed,  it 
has  fallen  into  entire — and  pi  ^bably  merited — neglect. 


FiQ.  11(1. — Capsclla  Bm sa-postorla. 


VIOLACE^. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Perennial,  rarely  annual,  herbs,  with  simple 
alternate  or  radical  stipulate  leaves  and  nodding  flowers,  either  solitary 
or  in  cymes,  racemes,  or  panicles.  Calyx  of  5  persistent  sepals.  Corolla 
somewhat  irregular,  1-spurred,  of  five  unequal  petals,  imbricated  in  the 
bud.  Stamens  5,  hj^iogynous,  their  filaments  projecting  beyond  the  an- 
ther cells  and  converging  over  the  pifstil.  Ovary  1-celled,  with  3  parietal 
placenta; ;  style  club  shaped  ;  stigma  ■^'mple,  turned  to  one  side.  Fruit  a 
3-valved,  many-seeded  capsule,  the  valves,  after  opening,  folding  longitu- 
dinally and  projecting  the  seeds.  Seeds  comparatively  large,  auatropous  ; 
cotyledons  flat. 

An  order  of  plants  more  remarkable  for  their  beauty  and  fragrance — 
many  of  them  lack  the  latter  quality — than  for  any  medicinal  or  economic 


98  VIOLACE^ 

properties.  Kepresentecl  in  North  America  by  two  penern,  namely,  lonid- 
ium  [Solea)  and  Viola,  the  former  comprising  thi-ee  and  the  latter  about 
thirty  species.  Very  few  plants  of  the  order  have  been  experimented 
with  therapeutically,  and  these  have  yielded  no  very  important  results. 

VIOLA.— Violet. 

Character  of  the  Gcnnsi. — Sepaln  extended  into  auricles  at  the  base, 
and  aiipearing  as  though  joined  at  their  sides.  Petals  somewhat  unequal, 
the  lower  one  siim-red  at  the  base.  Stamens  closely  embracing  the  ovar}', 
si'  .(htly  coherent,  the  two  lower  bearing  spurs  which  project  backward  into 
the  spurred  petal. 

In  addition  to  the  conspicuous  colored  flowers,  several  of  the  species 
bear,  later  in  the  season,  other  flowers,  on  short  peduncles,  which  do  not 
o^jcn  but  become  fertilized  in  the  bud,  and  develop  their  capsules  at  or 
near  the  surface  of  the  ground  ;  these  are  much  more  fruitful  than  the 
colored  blossoms,  and  are  both  curious  and  interesting.  Most  of  the  spe- 
cies are  stemless  perennials. 

Viola  cucullata  Alton. —  Common  Ithie  Violet. 

Description.- — Calyx  :  sej^als  as  in  the  character  of  the  genus.  Corolla  : 
petals  variable  as  to  size  and  color,  generally  comparatively  large,  pale  or 
deep  violet-blue  or  purple,  sometimes  variegated  or  nearly  white,  the  two 
lateral  and  often  the  lower  one  bearded  ;  spur  short  and  thick. 

A  stemless  perennial.  l\}uzome  thickly  beset  with  fleshy  teeth, 
branching  and  forming  compact  masses.  Leaves  upright  0:1  long  petioles, 
cordate  with  a  broad  sinus,  varying  to  reniform  or  triangular,  smooth  or 
pubescent,  the  bases  rolled  inward  when  young.  8ca}ies  simple,  3  to  10 
inches  high,  1-flowered,  produced  in  profusion.  Flowers  inodorous  or 
nearly  so,  appearing  in  April  or  May  and  continuing  to  be  produced 
throughout  the  sunnner. 

JJabilat. — This  most  common  and  most  variable  species  is  abundant  in 
wet  places  from  the  xirctic  regions  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

Viola  pedata  Linne. — liird-Foot  Violet. 

Description. — Calyx  :  sepals  as  in  the  preceding.  Corolla  :  jDctals  large, 
beardless,  pale  or  deep  lilac-pui'ple,  or  blue. 

A  stemless  perennial.  Rhizome  erect,  short,  thick,  abrvipt.  Leaves 
all  3- to  o-divided,  lateral  divisions  2-  to  3-parted,  linear  or  spatulate,  some- 
times 2-  to  3-tootlied  or  cut  at  the  apex.  Flowers  1  inch  broad,  in  masses 
fragrant,  appearing  in  Slay  and,  occasionally,  another  croji  later  in  the 
season. 

Habitat. — In  sandy  soil ;  nearly  as  widely  distributed  as  the  preceding, 
but  far  less  common. 

Viola  tricolor  Linnu. — Pansy,  Heart's  ease. 

Description. — Calyx  :  sepals  as  in  the  jn-ecediug.  Corolla  :  petals  large, 
variegated  with  white,  yellow,  blue,  purple,  etc. 


VIOLA — VIOLET.  91) 

Annual,  biennial,  or  short-lived  perennial,  with  short  vootstock  and 
erect,  angular,  branching,  leafy  stem.  Leaves  narrowly  oblong,  ovate  or 
cordate,  obtuse,  slightly  crenate ;  stipules  large,  leaf-hke,  deeply  divided 
into  several  linear  or  oblong  lobes. 

HabUal. — A  native  of  Europe,  the  pansy  has  long  been  cultivated  here 
as  an  ornamental  plant,  and  is  familiar  to  every  one  as  a  florist's  flower.  It 
has  escaped  from  cultivation  and  become,  to  some  extent,  naturalized.  In- 
deed, some  authorities  believe  that  a  variety  of  the  species  is  indigenous. 
When  growing  without  cultivation  it  rapidly  deteriorates  in  size  but  gains 
as  regards  its  medicinal  activity,  and  hence  the  uncultivated  plant  only  is 
official. 

Favts  Used. — Of  Viola  tricolor,  the  herb. — Tainted  Slates  Fharmacopceia. 
The  other  species  are  not  official,  though  V.  pedata  was  so  at  one  time,  the 
rhizome  being  employed. 

Co^^Htituents. — Very  little  is  known  of  the  constituents  of  the  species 
of  ts  here   described.     An  allied  species,    V.  odorata,  of  Eurojie,  has 

yielux.  .  to  analysis  an  alLaioid — viuUii — analogous  to  emelin.'  All  the 
species  are  mucilaginous  and  emollient,  but  beyond  this,  and  the  fact  just 
stated  regarding  V.  odorata,  their  constituents  are  3'et  to  be  investigated. 

Frepamtions. — None  are  official.  They  are  chiefly  employed  in  decoc- 
tion, though  there  is  a  commercial  fluid  extract  of  V.  tricolor. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — All  species  of  the  violet  subjected  to  ex- 
periment appear  to  be  emetic  and  cathartic  when  administered  in  consider- 
able doses.  Their  nauseating  properties  jn'obably  depend  upon  the  pres- 
ence of  violin  ;  and  to  this  and  the  mucilaginous  property'  also  existing 
is  doubtless  due  their  expectorant  effect  when  administered  in  bronchial 
and  pulmonary  affections.  At  present,  however,  little  use  is  made  of  them. 
The  sweet  violet  of  Europe  is  employed  there  in  the  preparation  of  a  syinip, 
which  is  used  chiefly  as  a  vehicle  on  account  of  its  beautiful  color  and 
agreealjle  ( doi\ 

Quite  recently  Dr.  Piffiird  called  attention  to  the  value  of  viola  tricolor 
as  a  remedy  in  criista  lactea,  for  which  it  was  much  used  in  Europe  years 
ago.  Owing  to  his  recommendation  of  the  plant  many  other  physicians 
have  subjected  it  to  experiment,  among  them  the  writer,  who,  though  less 
enthusiastic  in  his  praise  of  it  than  Dr.  Piffiird,  feels  sure  that  it  exerts  a 
remedial  influence  upon  this  troublesome  disease. 

CISTACE/E. 

Cha  icter  of  the  Order. — Shrubs  or  herbs,  often  viscid.  Sepals  5,  un- 
equal, persistent,  the  outer  two  often  small  and  bract-like,  sometimes  want- 
ing •  the  inner  thr:^e  larger  and  somewhat  twisted  in  the  bud.  Petals  5, 
equal,  hypogynous,  very  fugitive,  crumpled  in  the  bud,  and  twisted  in  a 

'  See  Raliuesque,  vol.  ii. ,  p.  275. 


1 00  CISTACE^. 

direction  opposite  to  that  of  the  sepals.  Stamens  indefinite,  distinct, 
liypogynous  ;  filaments  slender  ;  anthers  innate.  Ovary  distinct,  1-  to 
many-celled,  few-  or  many-ovuled,  the  ovules  with  a  foramen  at  their  apex  ; 
style  single  or  none  ;  stigma  sim)>le.  Fruit  a  capsule,  usually  8-  or  ^-valved, 
occasionally  10-valved,  either  1-celled  or  imperfectly  5-  to  lO-celled. 

Leaves  simple,  usually  entire,  the  lower  opposite,  the  upper  alternate, 
stipulate  or  exstipnlate. 

A  small  and  unimportant  order,  comprising  in  North  America  three 
genera,  namely,  Heliantheraum,  Hudsonia,  and  Lechea,  the  first-named 
only  being  represented  by  medicinal  species. 

IIELIAXTIIEMUM.— Rock   Rose. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Sepals  and  petals  as  in  the  character  of  the 
order.  Ovary  1-celled  ;  stylo  short  or  none.  Most  North  American  species 
bear  two  crops  of  flowers,  of  widely  different  aspect.  The  early  flowers  are 
few  in  lunuber,  solitary  or  in  terminal  corj'mbs,  have  large  yellow  petals, 
and  produce  manj'-seeded  c.ipsules,  while  tlio  later  ones  are  in  axillary 
clusters,  the  petals  small  and  inconspicuous  or  absent  altogether,  and  the 
capsules  few-seeded. 

Helianthemum  Can  ad  en  se  Michaux. — Frostweed,  Rock  Rose. 

Description. — Calyx  :  sepals  5,  the  outer  two  small.  Corolla  :  petals  of 
the  early  flowers  5,  large  and  showy,  opening  but  once,  in  sunshine,  and 
falling  the  next  day.     Expanded  flower  about  1  inch  broad. 

Stem  erect,  hairy,  pubescent,  (5  to  18  inches  high,  at  first  simple,  ulti- 
mately branching.  Leaves  alternate,  entire,  lanceolate-oblong,  pubescent, 
about  1  inch  long.  Early  flowers  solitary ;  secondary  flowers  in  axillary 
clusters.     Period  of  flowering,  June  to  August. 

Habitat. — In  dry,  sandy  soil  from  Canada  southward ;  common. 

Helianthemum  corymbosum  Michaux. 

Description. — Like  the  preceding,  excejjt  that  the  flowers  are  in  terminal 
corymbs,  the  showy  ones  becoming  stalked,  Avliile  the  others  are  sessile, 
and  the  whole  plant  being  more  pubescent. 

Ilabitat. — In  pine  barrens  from  New  Jersey  to  Florida,  along  the  coast. 

Fart  Used. — The  herb— not  official. 

Constituent.^. — The  only  constituent  of  therapeutic  activity  thus  far  dis- 
covered in  tliese  plants  is  tannin. 

Freparations. — There  are  various  commercial  preparations. 

Medical  Froperties  and  Uses. — Frostweed  is  a  mild  astringent,  and  prob- 
ably nothing  more,  though  it  is  not  without  advocates  among  those  who 
appear  to  think  every  plant  must,  of  necessity,  possess  therapeutic  virtues. 
Of  course  such  persons  value  it  highly  in  scrofula,  etc. 


DUOSERA — SUNDEW. 


101 


DROSCRACE^. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Low,  glandular-hairy  herbs,  with  tufted  radi- 
cal leaves,  and  flowers  in  naked  1-sided  racemes,  growing  in  bogs  and 
marshes.  Sepals  5,  equal,  imbricate,  persistent.  Petals  5,  hypogynous, 
withering.  Stamens  distinct,  hypogynous,  equal  in  number  with  the 
petals,  and  alternate  with  them,  or  two  to  four  times  as  many.  Ovary 
single,  1-oelled,  many-ovuled,  with  3  or  5  parietal  placenta' ;  styles  3  or  5, 
deeply  bifid,  appearing  like  G  or  10.     Capsule  3-  or  5-valved,  many-seeded. 

An  order  represented  in  North  America  by  two  genera,  namely  Drosera 
and  Dionjea,  together  comprising  eight  species. 


DROSERA.— Sundew. 

Drosera  rotundifolia  Linne. — Round-leaved  Sundew. 

Description. — Calyx  :  sepals  as  in  the  character  of  the  order.  Corolla : 
petals  oblong,  white.  Styles  very  short,  bifid.  Seeds  linear,  with  a 
loose,  membranaceous  coat.  Lc;i\(  .  or- 
bicular, spreading,  abruptly  narrowed  to 
a  long,  hairy  petiole.  Scape  erect,  smooth, 
4  to  10  inches  high,  5-  to  10-flowered. 
The  long,  glandular  hairs  are  tij^ped  with 
minute  drops  of  glutinous  material  which 
in  sunshine  look  like  dew-drops,  whence 
the  common  name,  sundew.  Annual  or 
biennial,  flowering  from  June  to  August. 

Habitat. — In  sphagnous  swamps  and 
bogs  from  the  Arctic  I'egions  to  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico ;  also  in  corresponding  lati- 
tudes of  the  Eastern  hemisphere. 

Fart  Used. — The  herb — not  official 

Constituents. — The  juice  of  sundew  ia 
bitter  and  acrid,  but  its  chemical  constit- 
uents are  unknown. 

Preparations. — The  exjiressed  juice  and  ^w^^^^^^ 
an  alcoholic  tincture  of  the  recent  plant  '^^if^^Pp 
have  been  employed. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  —The  ther- 
apeutic virtues  of  this  plant  are  alto- 
gether problematical.  It  is  said  to  have 
been  used  with  good  effect  in  pulmonary  phthisis,  but  as  the  same  state- 
ment has  been  made  regarding  almost  eveiy  plant  known,  the  reader,  in 
the  absence  of  positive  evidence,  may  draw  his  own  conclusions.  The 
juice,  employed  topically,  is  said  to  cure  warts  and  corns. 


Fia.  111. — Drosera  rotnntlifolin. 


102 


IIYPEKICACEiE. 


HYPERICACE4E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Herbs  or  shrubs,  with  opposite,  entii'e,  dotted 
leaves,  aud  coinmouly  yellow  flowers.  Sepals  4  or  5,  distinct  or  eoLeriuf, 
unequal,  dotted,  persistent.  Petals  4  or  5,  Lypogynous,  generally  oblique 
and  twisted  in  the  bud,  often  dotted.     {Stamens  indefinite,  liypogynous, 

collected  in  three  or  more 
dusters.  Ovary  single  ; 
styles  several,  rarely  uni- 
ted ;  stigma  simple,  occa- 
sionally capitate.  Fruit  a 
capsule,  many-valved, 
many-seeded  ;  juice  acrid 
aud  resinous. 

A  comparatively  large 
order,  but  represented  in 
North  America  by  only 
three  genera,  namely,  As- 
cyrum,  Hypericum,  and 
Elodcs. 


.1^ 


iiyrERicu^r.— St. 

WOIIT. 


John's 


Fio.  112. — nyporicum  perfomtuin. 


Hypericum  perfora- 
tum Linne.  —  Si.  John's 
Wurt. 

Description. — Calyx  :  se- 
pals 5,  nearly  equal,  erect, 
acute,  persistent.  Corolla : 
petals  5,  oblique,  convolute 
in  the  bud,  ovate,  twice  as 
long  as  the  sepals,  deep  yel- 
low with  black  dots.  Sta- 
mens very  numerous,  in  3  or  5  cliisters  ;  anthers  dotted  like  the  petals. 
►Styles  3,  separate,  commonly  diverging.     Capsule  3-celled,  many-seeded. 

An  herbaceous  perennial  weed,  with  a  ligneous  root  and  an  erect 
branching  stem,  1  to  1^  foot  high.  Leaves  opposite,  entire,  sessile,  el- 
liptical-oblong or  oblong-linear,  beset  with  numerous  pellucid  dots  re- 
sembling perforations,  whence  the  specific  name.  Flowers  numerous,  in 
open  leafy  cymes,  appearing  throughout  the  summer. 

Hal)itat. — St.  John's  wort  is  a  plant  of  Eastern  origin  which  has  become 
naturalized  in  all  temperate  regions,  and  is  to  the  farmer  a  most  per- 
nicious weed  and  one  very  difficult  to  ei'adicate. 


SAPONARIA — SOAPWOllT.  *  103 

Part  Ut^ed. — The  flowerinj^  tops — not  officiiil. 

Cdiii^lifut'nL^. — St.  John's  wort  has  as  yvi  yielded  to  analysis  nothing 
more  interesting  than  a  peculiar  red  coloring  matter,  and  nothing  what- 
ever to  inspire  contidence  in  its  therapeutic  activity.  " 

IWparalions. — There  are  no  official  preparations.  The  flowering  tops, 
digested  with  olive  or  linseed  oil,  yiekl  a  yellowish-red  product,  termed 
oleum  hi/penci,  or  red  oil,  which  is  a  prei^aration  considerably  used  in  do- 
mestic practice. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — In  ancient  times,  when  nature  unaided 
v.'ps  supposed  to  ha  incompetent  to  heal  a  cut-  or  cure  a  contusion,  St. 
John's  wort  was  very  highly  esteemed,  and,  it  may  be  added,  it  is  still 
esteemed  by  those  who  hold  the  same  opinions  of  nature's  powers.  In 
scientitic  medicine,  however,  it  holds  no  pltice,  having  become  obsolete 
long  ago.  One  author  only  of  comi)aratively  recent  date  considers  "  the 
saturated  tinctui-e  nearly  as  valuable  as  that  of  ai'nica  for  bruises,  etc." 
As  tincture  of  arnica,  however,  apart  from  the  alcohol  which  it  contains, 
is  of  doubtful  elHcacy  in  these  cases,  the  above  statement  does  not  tend  to 
inspire  faith  in  St.  John's  wort. 

CARYOPHYLLACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Herbs,  with  stems  swollen  at  the  joints,  op- 
posite, entire  leaves,  and  regular  flowers.  Sepals  -4  or  5,  distinct  or  coher- 
ing, persistent.  Po:tal3  4  or  5,  with  narrow  claws,  sometimes  Avanting. 
Stamens  distinct,  not  more  than  twice  the  number  of  the  sepals,  hypogy- 
nous  or  perigynous.  Ovary  solitary,  often  supported  on  a  stalk,  commonly 
1-celled,  occasionally  3-  to  5-celled,  with  a  free  central  placenta ;  styles  2 
to  5,  sometimes  united  into  one.  Fruit  a  1-celled,  many-seeded  capsule, 
opening  by  2  to  5  valves  or  by  teeth  at  the  apex. 

Fev/  strictly  North  American  species  of  this  large  order  are  known  to 
possess  medicinal  virtues.  Indeed,  plants  of  this  order  ai'c  everywhere 
characterized  by  blaudness  and  an  absence  of  active  or  ii-ritating  properties. 

SAPOX  ARI  A.  — SoAi'woiiT. 

Saponaria  officinalis  Linue. — Soaptcort,  Bouncing  Bet. 

Dexcriplion. — Calyx  :  sepals  united,  forming  a  cylindrical  tube,  divided 
at  the  apex  into  five  pointed  teeth.  Corolla  :  petals  5,  limb  somewhat 
cordate,  claw  long  and  angular  with  an  appendage  at  the  top.  Stamens 
10,  longer  than  the  calyx.  Styles  2.  Capsule  short-stalked,  1-celled,  4- 
toothed,  many-seeded. 

A  perennial  herb,  strongly  rooted,  with  erect  stem  1  to  2  feet  high. 
Leaves  oval,  entire,  pointed,  3-ribbed,  connate.  Flowers  in  axillary  and 
terminal  clusters,  pale  rose-colored  or  nearly  white,  often  double,  appear- 
ing from  July  to  September. 


104  MALVACEvE. 

Habitat. — A  native  of  Europe,  sonpwort  has  escaped  from  pfardens  and 
is  often  met  with  fully  ostabliahcd  in  waste  places  and  along  roadsides. 

Part  Used. — The  root — not  ofHcial. 

Const ilucnti<. — Soaowort  has  a  sweetish,  glutinous,  and  somewhat  l)itter 
taste,  followed  by  a  certain  degree  of  acrimony.  Its  only  important  con- 
stituent is  saponin,  which  causes  decoctions  of  the  root,  upon  agitation,  to 
produce  a  saponaceous  froth. 

Preparations. — There  are  none.     It  may  be  emi)loyed  in  decoction. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — A  hundred  years  or  more  ago  soai)wort 
was  believed  to  be  a  vahiable  alterative,  and  was  employed  in  syphilis, 
gout,  rheumatism,  etc.,  with  effects  similar  to  those  attributed  to  sar^a- 
parilla.  Little  has  been  added  t(/our  knowledge  of  the  plant  since  then. 
As  it,  in  common  with  quilLiia  [soapi-hark-),  contains  saponin,  it  might  rea- 
sonably be  employed  for  the  same  purjioses  as  the  latter.  That  saponin, 
the  active  principle  of  these  plants,  is  physiologicall}'  active  is  beyond 
question,  but  its  therapeutic  eft'ects  require  further  investigation. 

SILENE.— CJatcii  Fi,y. 

Silene  Virginica  Linne. — Fire  Pink,  Catch  Fly. 

Description. — Calyx  :  sepals  united,  forming  an  oblong-cylindrical 
tube,  5-toothed  at  the  apex,  viscid-pubescent.  Corolla :  petals  5,  oblong, 
limb  2-cleft,  1  inch  long.  Stamens  10,  longer  than  the  calyx.  Styles  3, 
rarely  4.     Capsule  1-celled,  3-  or  G-toothed  at  the  apex,  many-seeded. 

A  viscid -pubescent  perennial  herb,  1  to  2  feet  high.  Leaves  thin,  the 
lower  sj)atulate,  upper  oblong-lanceolate.  Flowers  few,  large,  deep  crim- 
son, peduncled,  in  loose  cymes,  appearing  from  June  to  August. 

Habilat. — In  rich,  open  woods  from  Canada  to  Georgia  and  westward  to 
the  Mississippi.     Rare  in  New  York  and  New  England. 

Part  Used. — The  root — not  official. 

Constituents. — Unknown. 

Preparations. — There  are  none.     It  has  been  used  in  decoction. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — From  Barton  we  learn  that  this  plant 
was  used  in  Virginia  as  an  anthelmintic,  but  ho  seems  to  have  had  no 
personal  experience  with  it ;  and  since  his  time  we  have  no  record  of  ex- 
periments to  test  its  efficacy. 

MALVACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Herbs  or  shrubs,  with  alternate,  stijiulate,  pal- 
mately  veined  leaves  and  regular  tlowers.  Sepals  5,  united  at  the  base, 
valvate  in  the  bud,  persistent,  often  bearing  an  involucre  of  bracts  outside, 
forming  a  kind  of  external  calyx.  Petals  5,  convolute  in  the  bud,  often  large 
and  showy.     Stamens  indefinite,  hypogynous  ;  filaments  coherent,  forming 


ALTII.EA — MARSH-MALLOW. 


105 


a  column  and  united  at  tlioir  base  with  the  claws  of  tlio  potals ;  anthers 
roiiifonn,  nponino-  alon<:j  the  top.  Ovary  comijound,  formed  by  the  unii)ii 
of  several  carpels  around  a  coinuioii  axis  ;  styles  as  many  as  the  carpels, 
distinct  or  united.  Fruit  a  niany-valved  and  usually  many-seeded  capsule. 
A  largo  order  of  mostly  tropical  and  sub-tropicul  plants,  many  of  which 
are  cultivated  for  (n*namental  or  econojuic  purposes.  In  general  they  are 
nuicilaginous  and  have  no  active  or  deleterious  properties.  There  are, 
however,  some  exceptions.  The  species  indigenous  to  North  Amci'ica 
have  not  been  investigated  to  any  considerable  extent,  but  from  what  is 
known  of  the  order  as  a  whole,  there  is  little  reason  for  believing  that  such 
investigation  would  yield  very  important  results. 

ALTH/EA.~Mausu-M.vm,()W. 

Althaea  officinalis  TjumC^—Mirsh-MnUoir. 

lh'!<friiition. — Calyx  :  sepals  united  at  the  base,  the  free  segments  nar- 
rowly triangular,  acute  ;  involucre  of  7  to  10,  erect,  subulate,  triangular 
segments  half  as  long  ars  the  calyx  ; 
both  calyx  and  involucre  dens(!ly 
])ubescent,  persistent.  Corolla : 
petals  obcordate,  wedge-shaped, 
coherent  at  their  bases,  pale  rose- 
color,  twisted  in  the  bud.  Sta- 
mens as  in  the  character  of  the 
order.  Ovary  roundish,  flattened, 
many-celled,  each  cell  containing 
a  single  ovule  ;  styles  mnnerous, 
coherent  at  the  base,  free  above, 
stigmatic  on  the  inner  side.  Fniit 
flattened-spherical,  composed  of 
luimerous  dry,  round,  flattened, 
indehiscent  carpels  attached  to, 
and  radiating  from  a  central  axis, 
separating  from  each  other  at  ma- 
turity. 

An  herbaceous  perennial,  with 
a  large,  long,  fleshy,  tapering  root, 
and  numerous  erect,  stiff  stems, 
2  to  4  feet  high.  Leaves  on  long 
petioles,  the  lower  roundish-ovate, 
the  upper  triangular-oval  or  some- 
what 3-  to  5-lobed,  irregularly  cut, 
acutely  serrate,  finely  pubescent ;  stipules  narrowly  triangular,  caducous. 
Flowers  1  to  2  inches  wide,  in  axillary  clusters  of  2  to  4  each,  and  termi- 
nal, leafy  iJanicles,  appearing  in  August  and  September. 


Fio.  113.-AlthaDa  omolnalis. 


f 


106  MALVACEAE. 

JJnhifnt. — Indipfonous  to  Einopo,  l)ut  niituralizGil  in  salt  marshes  along 
the  coast  of  New  JMigland,  Now  York,  and  New  Jersey. 

J'arl  (mL—TUe  root — UnUcd  SlalrA  J'hdrinucopd'ia.  The  root  of  tlio 
cultivated  plant  is  commonly  employed,  and,  as  occurring  in  commerce,  is 
deprived  of  its  bark. 

Confilititeutfi. — The  dried  root  contains  as  its  most  important  couKlitn- 
ents  about  twenty-tivo  per  cent,  ouch  of  starch  and  nuicilaoe.  There  are 
also  present  pectin,  asparagin,  sugar,  phosphate  of  calciiun,  cellulose,  and  a 
nttle  fatty  oil. 

Prfpnrndonii. — Syrupus  altlurro — syrup  of  alth.nnn. —  United  Slatea  Phar- 
macopain.  Tliis  is  made  by  dissolving  sugar,  without  lieat,  in  a  cold  in- 
fusion of  the  root,  and  is  therefore  practically  free  from  starch,  boiling 
water  be'ng  necessary  to  extract  all  the  soluble  constituents  wliile  the 
mucilaginous  properties  arc  readily  inijiarted  to  cold  water.  The  j)ow- 
dered  root  is  often  used  to  imjiart  a  proper  consistence  to  soft  pill  masses, 
and  also  in  the  preparation  of  emollient  poultices. 

jift'dical  Properties  and  Cftes. — Tho  constituents  of  marsh-mallow  indicate 
clearly  enough  its  therapeutic  ai)plication.  It  is  emollient  and  demulcent, 
and  may  be  us(;d  freely  in  inllammatory  ati'ections,  either  interu'illy  or 
topically  as  occasion  re(]uires.  Being  nutritious  also  it  is,  in  certain  cases, 
superior  to  many  demulcents  in  common  use.  As  a  topical  application  it 
has  a  wide  range  of  usefulness. 

MALVA. — Mai.i.ow. 

Malva  rotundifolia  Linne. — Common  Malloio. 

Description. — Calyx  with  a  3-lcaved  involucre  ;  otherwise  as  in  alth.^n. 
Corolla,  stamens,  ovary,  styles,  and  fruit  similar  in  structure  to  those  of 
altha>a. 

A  small  biennial  herb,  with  a  long,  tapering  root  and  prncinnlient 
stems.  Leaves  round,  heart-shaped,  some^ '  ,t  plaited,  crenate,  smooth, 
bluish-green,  on  long  petioles.  Flowers  sc"  .^,  whitish,  appearing  through- 
out the  summer. 

Habitat. — One  of  the  commonest  weeds  in  door-yards  and  waste  places 
about  d"\vellings.  A  native  of  Europe,  it  follows  civilized  man  most  persist- 
ently and  takes  root  whei'evcr  he  establishes  himself. 

Part  rticd. — Tlie  herb,  including  the  root — not  official. 

Conntitucuts. — It  possesses  mucilaginous  properties  similar  to  those  of 
marsh-mallow. 

Preparat ionsi. — The  decoction  is  employed  in  domestic  practice.  Tho 
fresh  herb,  bruised,  is  employed  topically. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses, — Similar  to  those  of  marsh-mallow. 


GOSS  YPIUM — COTTC)  X. 


107 


G0S8YPIUM.— Cotton. 

Gossypium  herbaceum  Liniu'.— Co//y«  Plant. 

I)i:<cflliliiin. — C'lily.v  tubiiliir-cumimnuliito,  dhscnrcly  G-toothod,  iiinch 
Hliortor  thim  tho  tpii-aly.x.  of  'A  Lirj^'o,  cordiito,  dufply  iucisinl  iiiul  tootlieil 
loavGH.  Corolhi :  petals  large,  couvoluto  in  the  bud,  sprcadiu;,'  when  ox- 
iwnded,  iiTegiilai'ly  ubovate-truucatc,  wodged-shaped  at  the  base,  yellow, 
with  a  2)uri)lo  spot  changing  to  reddish-brown.  Stamens  niuuei'ous,  uni- 
ted and  forming  a  long  tubt;,  connected  at  the  base  with  tlie  claws  of  the 
])otals.  (3vary  conical,  IJ-  to  n-celled,  muny-ovulod.  Style  simple,  longer 
than  the  stamens  •  stigma  clavate,  slightly  3-  to  o-lobed.     Fruit  a  3-  to  5- 


Fio.  lit. — riocsypinm  liprbaconm.    Tlnwcr  nml  fruit. 

celled  capsule,  opening  nt  maturity  through  the  middle  of  the  cells  and 
exposing  numerous  seeds  covered  with  the  white  filaments  so  well  Iniown 
as  cotton. 

A  stout  herbaceous  plant,  with  an  erect,  branching,  leafy  stem,  al>ont  5 
feet  high,  natur.illy  perennial  but  cultivatetl  as  an  annual.  Leaves  large, 
3  to  0  inches  long,  3-  to  5-lobed,  with  a  single  gland  below,  strongly  veined, 
the  lobes  acuminate  and  mucronate  ;  petioles  about  as  long  as  the  blade, 
stitr  and  angular.  Lower  leaves  often  2-  or  S-lobed.  Flowers  large,  3 
inches  broad,  alternate,  opposite  the  leaves  ;  pedicels  similar  to  the 
petioles  but  shorter. 

ITahilat. — The  cotton  plant  has  been  cultivated  for  so  gi-eat  a  length  of 
time  that  its  natural  habitat  is  uncertain.  It  flourishes  within  the  limits 
of  30°  north  and  south  of  the  equator.  Though  scarcely  naturalized,  the 
extent  to  which  it  is  cultivated  in  the  Southern  States  entitles  it  to  a  place 
among  N<n-th  American  plants. 

Part  Ut^eih — Tlic  bark  of  the  root:  Gossypii  radicis  cortex — cotton- 
root  bark.     Gossypium — cotton— T/f/Vcr/  Stat>'>^  Pharmavopana. 

Constituent. — Of  cotton  it  is  only  necessary  to  state  that  the  article 


\{)6  LINAGE.*:. 

(lirortcd  by  tlio  Plinrmacoprria  is  tho  Ho-ciillod  nhf^nrhont  mllon,  propnretl 
by  I'roi'iiij^'  tbc  liltiuieutH  I'roiii  ipipuritios  mid  ftitty  niiittcr. 

Cottoii-root  bark  eontuiuH,  in  iiddition  to  stmrh,  fj;luco8o,  luid  othrr 
coinmou  vcf^ctiiblo  i-oiiHtitucutw,  ii  roHinouH  l)()dy  avIioho  exact  ohavactor  in 
as  yet  not  fully  eHtablislied,  but  to  which  tlio  niedicinal  virtneH  of  tho  drug 
are  attributed. 

J'n'paniluiiis. — Of  cotton-root  back  :  Kxtnicfum  f^'osHyj)!!  r.idicis  lluiduiu 
— fluid  extract  of  cotton  root.  Of  cotton:  I'yroxylinum — pyroxylin  {<ji(ii- 
coUnii).  —  United  Statc-i  riiarinacojxi'Ui. 

Mi'dical  Pr<)j)ei'lien  and  f  «t's. — Cotton  root  was  introduced  to  profes- 
Bional  notice  as  a  Hpecifi(!  uterine  tonic  after  hiiviii}^-  long  been  \v.:va\  among 
tli(!  negroes  of  the  Southern  States  as  an  alxn-lifacient.  Its  action  upon 
the  uterus  is  similar  to  that  of  ergot,  and  it  is  used  instead  of  the  lutter  in 
cases  of  uterine  inertia  during  parturition,  and  in  umenorrlui^a,  dysmen- 
orrluea,  and  scanty  menstruation.  AVlu'tlier  its  action  upon  tho  Hysteni 
at  largo  bo  also  similar  to  that  of  ergot  is  unknown  but  worthj-  of  inves- 
tigation. 

The  fact  that  tho  bar/,'  of  cotton  root  should  be  jio'^sesscd  of  such  active 
properties  is  an  interesting  and  suggestive  one,  for  it  alVords  the  oidy  in- 
stance of  specific  virtues  attributed  to  a  plant  of  tho  order  malmcea\  It 
will  be  n(jted  that  it  is  only  the  bark  of  the  root  that  possesses  these  prop- 
erties, all  other  parts  of  tho  i)lant  partaking  of  the  bland  character  of  the 
order,  the  seeds  especially — which  not  unfrequently  possess  the  most 
active  principles  of  plants  in  this  instance  yielding  a  bland  oil  which 
is  largely  used  as  an  adulterant  of  olive  oil.  Now  in  an  order  of  plants 
of  such  strongly  marked  characteristics  as  the  vtalvacecv,  the  discovery  of 
striking  properties  in  any  individual  shoidd  stimulate  investigation  of 
other  related  individuals,  for  it  i  nay  reasonably  be  assumed  that  investi- 
gation whic-h  starts  with  a  rational  clue  will  be  more  fruitful  in  results 
iht'ai  if  conducted  entirely  in  a  haphazard  manner. 

LINACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Herbs,  Avith  entire,  alternate,  opposite  or  vorti- 
cillate,  exstipulate  leaves,  and  regular,  symmetrical,  hypogynous  floAvers. 
Sepals  3  to  5.  imbricate.  Petals  3  to  5,  convolute  in  the  bud.  Stamens 
3  to  5,  usually  with  intermediate  abortive  ones,  united  into  a  short  tube  at 
the  base.    Pod  having  twice  as  many  cells  as  there  are  styles,  each  1-seeded. 

A  small  order,  represented  in  North  America  by  the  genus  Linum,  com- 
prising no  indigenous  species  of  medicinal  or  economic  impoi'tance.  The 
species  described  below,  thoiigli  introduced,  has  been  under  cultivation  so 
long  that  it  requii'es  brief  notice. 


LINUM — FLAX. 


109 


LINUM.— Flax. 

LInum  usitatissimum  Limi<''. — Common  Flax. 

VeHcripdon. — Ciilyx  :  Hcpnlw  oviitc,  iiciito.  CoroUii :  petals  larpfo,  with 
a  broud  liinb  and  short  daw,  dot'p  violet-bhio,  fuf^acious.  StatiieiiH  5,  al- 
t(M"ii!iliii«jf  with  fho  abortivo  ()!U's,  all  united  at  the  base,  foriiiiii<j  a  short 
tube  ;  anthers  small,  versatile,  deep  blue. 
Ovary  tlask-shaiuHl,  n-ceUcd  at  the  base, 
each  cell  2-()vuled  ;  st/los  5,  distinct. 
Fruit  an  imperfectly  iO-celled  capsule. 

An  ei'ect  annual,  1  to  2  feet  hi^h. 
Stem  commonly  solitary,  stitT",  smooth, 
round,  branchin<^  near  the  toj).  Leavers 
alternate,  sessile,  linearlancc.'olute,  acu- 
mina^'i,  entire.  Flowers  solitary,  at  the 
ends  of  the  branches. 

Hahitat. — Flax  has  been  cultivated 
from  time  immemorial,  ao  that  its  na- 
tive home  is  indoiown.  In  all  countries 
where  culllvated  it  becomes  spaiingl; 
naturaliz'jd,  occurrinn-  spcnitancously  iiii- 
der  favoral)lo  circumstances. 

Part  UxccL — The  seed.  Official  name, 
Linum — Uniled  Stales  I'ltarmacopd'ia. 

CouKlihients. — The  most  important 
constituents  of  flaxseed  are  fixed  oil  and 
mucilage — both  too  well  known  to  re- 
quire conunent. 

Preparations. — Oleum  lini — oil  of  flaxseed. 
Tiie  seed,  unground,  is  employed  in  decoction  ;  gi-ound,  under  the  name 
oi  Haxseed  mml  or  ground  Jlaxaced,  in  the  preparation  of  poultices,  etc. 

■  Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Flaxseed  tea  is  largel}'  employed  as  a 
demi/njent  in  febrile  and  inflanunatory  affections,  and  toincally  as  m\  in- 
jection in  diseases  of  the  bladder,  rectum,  and  vagina.  The  seed  has  also 
been  recommended  as  a  substitute  for  cod-liver  oil,  on  account  of  the  nu- 
tritious material  which  it  contains.  Flaxseed  poultices  are  all  but  uni- 
versally emploj'ed  in  cases  requiring  emollient  applications.  Flaxseed — 
or,  as  it  is  commonly  termed,  linseed — oil  is  less  iised  in  medicine  and 
pharmacy  than  formerly.  As  a  topical  agent  it  is  often  objectionable  on 
account  of  its  drying  properties.  It  was  formerly  used  in  the  official  Linn- 
mentiim  calcis — lime  liniment — U.  S.  P.  {carron  oil),  but  has  been  displaced 
by  cotton-seed  oil,  because  the  latter  is  not  possessed  of  drying  properties 
and  hence  does  not  impart  to  surgical  dressings  the  inconvenient  and 
disagreeable  stiffness  so  generally  experienced  with  the  old  preparation. 


Fio.   i..").  — Llnum  nsltntiscimum. 


■United  T'l/f's  Pharmncopaia. 


110  GERANIACE.E. 

Linscocl  oil  lins  also  been  recommeiuletl  as  a  substitute  for  cod-liver 
oil,  but  us  such  has  not  bonie  the  test  of  cliuical  experience  in  a  manner 
to  inspire  faith  in  its  efficacy.  So  far  as  the  mere  elements  of  nutrition 
are  concerned,  there  appears  to  be  no  great  difference  between  the  two, 
but  thure  are  other  factors  to  be  considered  in  the  case  of  cod-liver  oil. 
The  traces,  slight  though  they  be,  of  iodine,  bromine,  phospho  '.'us,  et'  ,  pres- 
ent in  this  oil  are  certainly  of  therapeutic  importance,  and  servo  to  make  it 
not,  as  some  have  claimed,  a  mere  fatty  food,  but  a  strongly  medicinal 
food,  for  which  we  cannot  reasonably  expect  to  find  a  complete  svbstitute 
in  the  vegetable  kingdom. 

CERANIACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Annual  or  perennial  herbs,  or,  in  some  exotic 
species,  low  shrubs,  with  swollen  joints,  opposite  or  alternate,  commonly 
palmately  veined  leaves,  with  or  without  stipules.  Flowers  commonly  5- 
merous,  regular  and  symmetrical,  hypogynous  ;  sometimes  3-merous  ;  oc- 
casionally unsymmetrical,  especially  as  regards  the  calyx  and  corolla.  In 
the  most  characteristic  genera  the  arrangement  is  as  follows  :  sepals  5, 
imbricate,  persistent  ;  petals  5,  convolute  in  the  bud,  deciduous  ;  stamens 
5  or  10 — when  of  the  latter  nund)er  the  alternate  ones  shorter  or  abortive  ; 
ovary  5-colled,  each  cell  2-ovuled,  arranged  about  an  elongated  axis,  to 
which  the  styles  are  adherent ;  fniit  5-celled,  each  cell  1-seeded,  separating 
at  the  base  when  mature,  curling  upward,  and  when  detached  leaving  the 
dry  axis  persisting. 

The  order  is  difficult  to  characterize  as  a  whole,  some  of  the  unsym- 
metrical individu!  is  being  very  perplexing  ;  as  these,  however,  are  of  no 
medicinal  importance  they  need  not  receive  oiu'  attention.  There  are  al- 
together half  a  dozen  North  American  genera,  namely,  Erodium,  Floerkia, 
Geranium,  Impatiens,  Limnanthes,  and  Oxalis. 

GERANIUM. 

Geranium  naculatum  Jjinud.— Spotted  Geram.jv,  Wild  Crane.^bill. 

Description. — Calyx :  sepals  lanceolate,  pointed,  haiiy,  persistent. 
Corolla :  petals  broadly  obovate  or  rounded,  pale  purple,  becoming  lighter 
after  expansion,  fugacious ;  claw  short,  bearded.  Stamens  10,  all  with 
perfect  anthers,  the  five  lon';er  ones  with  small  glands  at  their  base  alter- 
nate with  the  petals  ;  antbers  versatile,  2-celled,  purple.  Ovary  5-celle(l  ; 
pistils  adherent  to  the  axi-i,  free  at  the  summit  and  recurved,  with  stigmatic 
surfaces  inward.  Fruit  composed  oi  5  dry,  hairy,  1-seeded  carpels,  sepa- 
rating at  the  base  when  mature,  and  curving  upward  elastically,  the  inner 
surface  smooth. 

An  herbaceous  i)erennial.     Rhizome  cylindrical,  2  to  3  inches  long, 


PLATE   IV. 


lohnsoii.Del. 


GERANIUM    MACULATUM, 


M.  MBNCKR     I   ITI*.  W   Y 


Plate  IV.— Ceranium  maculatum. 

Fio.  l._r]owering  plant  (young),  natnral  size. 
Fig.  3.-Flower,  dopriwed  of  corolla  ;  natural  .size. 


GEUANIUM.  113 

one-half  inch  thick,  more  or  less  branched,  pale  reddish-brown,  with  nuuier- 
ous  tibrous  rootlets.  Stem  erect,  1  to  2  feet  hij,'h,  somewhat  branched 
dichotomously,  hairy.  Kadical  leaves  largo,  on  long  hairy  petioles,  deeply 
cut  into  5  or  7  segments,  which  are  cuneate  or  clsloug,  and  lobed  and  cut 
at  the  end ;  stem-leaves  similar  in  shape  but  nmch  smaller,  opposite, 
placed  at  the  forks  of  the  stem,  sessile  or  on  short  petioles.  All  the  leaves 
are  at  first  green,  but  as  they  grow  old  become  more  or  less  blotched  with 
whitish  spots.  The  llower-stalks  arise  from  the  forks  of  the  stem,  each 
bearing  two  flower.s,  one  inch  in  diameter,  on  short  pedicels.  The  flowers 
are  produced  from  May  till  July. 

Habitat. — Spotted  geranium  is  one  of  the  commouest  plants  in  open 
woods  from  Canada  to  Florida,  and  dming  its  period  of  blooming  is  con- 
spicuously beautiful.  Though  its  flowers  are  less  showy  than  those  of 
many  of  the  exotic  garden  geraniums  (pdargonium),  to  the  lover  of  nature 
they  are  far  more  intei-esting  when  seen  displayed  in  lavish  profusion  in 
their  native  home,  the  woods. 

I'art  Csed. — The  rhizome — United  Statea  PJim'inacojyaia. 

Constituents. — Geranium  root  has  a  simple  astringent  taste,  due  to  a  con- 
siderable percentage  of  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  which  appear  to  be  its  only 
important  constituents,  though  there  are  also  present  gum,  starch,  pectin, 
resin,  coloring  matter,  etc. 

rreparations. — Extractum  geranii  fluidum — fluid  extra(;t  of  geranium. 
—  United  Slates  Pharmaco-pivia.  As  geranium  imparts  its  virtues  i-eadily  to 
both  water  and  alcohol,  it  may  be  administered  in  decoction  or  tincture. 
In  many  cases  to  which  the  drug  is  applicable  the  decoction  is  by  far  the 
most  eligible  preparation. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Geranium  is  justly  considered  one  of  our 
best  indigenous  astringents — one,  however,  whose  virtues  are  not  fully  ap- 
preciated by  the  profession  at  large.  Though  active  and  efficient,  it  is  still 
mild  and  unirritating  and  devoid  of  all  impleasant  or  otYensive  properties. 
It  is  therefore  particularly  suited  to  the  later  stages  of  diarrhtea  and  dysen- 
tery, especially  in  children.  In  such  cases  a  decoction  in  milk  has  been 
found  very  serviceable.  It  has  also  been  employed  internally  in  a  variety 
of  hemorrhages,  with  asserted  benefit.  As  a  topical  astringent  it  has  a  still 
wider  field  of  usefulness,  and  may  be  employed  in  any  case  to  which  this 
class  of  remedies  is  applicable,  such  as  catarrhal  inflammations  and  hemor- 
rhages from  nuicous  surfaces.  As  an  injection  in  gonorrluea,  gleet,  and 
leucorrluea,  the  decoction  is  miich  more  serviceable  than  a  simple  solution 
of  tannin,  doubtless  from  the  fact  that  there  is  present  nuicilagiuous  ma- 
terial which  exerts  a  soothing  influence.  In  fine  powder  the  drug  may  bo 
employed  as  a  styptic  in  bleeding  from  the  nose  and  from  the  gums  after 
the  extraction  of  teeth. 

Finally,  geranium,  though  possessing  no  properties  of  a  specific  char- 
acter, is  undeniabl}'  a  valuable  astringent,  and  since  the  cases  to  which  it 


I 


114 


GERANIACEiE. 


is  applicable  are  so  numerous  and  the  plant  everywhere  so  common,  one 
is  led  to  wonder  that  it  is  not  more  generally  employed. 


OXALIS.— WOOD-SOUHEL. 

Character  of  the  Genux. — Sepals  5,  distinct  or  united  at  the  base,  im- 
bricate, persistent.  Petals  5,  sometimes  united  at  the  base,  witheriuff. 
Stamens  10,  more  or  less  united  at  the  base,  those  opposite  the  petals 
longer  than  the  others  ;  anthers  versatile.     Ovary  of  5  united  carpels,  not 

beaked ;  styles  distinct.  Fruit  a 
5-celled,  5-angled  cai)sule  opening 
by  as  many  valves,  each  cell  2- 
seeded. 

Herbs,  either  annual  or  with  a 
tuberous  or  creeping  perennial  rhi- 
zome. Leaves  alternate  or  radical, 
palmately  trifoliate. 

Oxalis  Acetosella  Linnu.— 
Wood-Sorrel. 

Descriplion,  —  Calj'x  :  sepals 
small,  ovate,  obtuse.  Corolla  :  pet- 
als obovate,  unguiculate,  one-half 
inch  long,  white  Avith  reddish 
veins.  Cajisule  ovoid.  Pereimial. 
Eoot-stock  creeping  slender,  scaly 
toothed.  Leaves  all  .adical  on  long 
petioles ;  leaflets  broadly  obcor- 
date.  Scapes  2  to  5  inches  long, 
l-Howered,  appearing  in  June. 
ITabital. — In  cold  Avoods  from  the  Alleghanies  northward  ;  also  in 
Northern  Europe  and  Asia. 

Oxalis  strlcta  Linne. —  YeUow  Wood-Sorrel,  Slweji-Sorrel. 
l>rs<Tii)ti<n). — Flowers  similar  in  structure  to  the  preceding,  but  smaller 
and  borne  upon  2-  to  G-tlowered,  axillary  peduncles,  yellow.    Capsules  elon- 
gated.  Annual,  or  by  means  of  subterranean  shoots,  perennial.    Stem  erect, 
leafy.     Flowers  appear  throughout  the  summer. 

Habilat. — Connnon  in  waste  and  cidtivated  grounds. 
Part  Used. — The  leaves — not  official. 

Constilncnts. — All  plants  of  this  genus  have,  to  a  greater  or  less  extent, 
an  agreeable  acidulous  taste  due  to  the  presence  of  binoxalate  of  potash, 
their  only  important  constituent.  This  salt  was  formerly  extracted  from 
certain  species  of  oxalis  and  was  sold  imder  the  name  of  salt  of  sorrel,  but 
it  is  now  prepared  from  oxalic  acid  and  potash. 

Preparations. — There  are  none,  save  the  commercial  binoxalate  of  pot- 
ash, and,  as  above  stated,  this  is  no  longer  prepared  from  the  plant. 


Fig.  110.- -Oxalis  AcetoBClla. 


XANTIIOXYLUM — PRICKLY    ASH.  115 

Medical  Proprrfifft  and  Uses. — Oxalis  ia  reputed  to  be  useful  in  scurvy 
and  scorbutic  affections  generally.  As,  however,  binoxalate  of  potasli  has 
been  shown  to  act  more  efficiently  and  more  certainly  than  the  plant,  the 
lattei'  may  be  considered  obsolete.  An  infusion  is  refrigerant,  and  may  be 
employed  as  a  cooling  drink  in  febrile  allections. 

RUTACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Herbs,  shrubs,  or  trees,  ■with  alternate  or  op- 
posite, exstipnlato,  simple  or  compound  leaves,  dotted  with  pellucid 
glands,  containing  aromatic  volatile  oil.  Flowers  perfect  or  unisexual, 
regular,  hypogyuous,  3-  to  o-merous.  Stamens  as  many  or  twice  as  many 
as  the  sep.als ;  ovary  of  2  to  5  cells,  distinct  or  united,  each  cell  1-  to  2- 
ovuled  ;  sityles  usually  coherent ;  fruit  a  ca^Dsule  or  berry. 

A  large  and  widely  distributed  order,  represented  in  North  America 
by  eight  genei'a,  two  of  which,  namely,  Xauthoxyluui  and  Ptelea,  comprise 
species  of  medicinal  value. 

XANTHOXYLUJI.— PuRKi.v  Asii. 

CJiaracfrr  of  the  dentiH. — Flowers  direcious.  Hejials  i  or  5,  in  one 
species  wanting.  Petals  4  or  5,  indjricate  in  the  bud.  Stamens  4  or  5,  in 
the  sterile  flowers  alternate  with  the  petals.  Pistils  2  to  5,  distinct,  but 
with  styles  conniving  or  more  or  less  united.  Carpels  sessile  or  stipitate, 
2-valved,  1-  to  2-seeded. 

Trees  or  shrubs,  with  alternate  unecpially  pinnate  leaves,  the  leaflets 
punctate  with  pellucid  dots  ;  stems  and  leaf-stalks  commonly  armed  with 
prickles.     Flowei's  small,  greenish. 

Xanthoxyliim  Americanum  Miller  (A',  fraxineum  Willdenow). — 
Northern  Pricliy  Ash,  IhothacJie  Tree. 

Description. — Calyx  absent.  Corolla  :  jietals  .'5.  Pistils  3  to  5,  dis- 
tinct ;  styles  slender.  Capsules  stipitate,  dotted,  varying  from  green  to 
red,  2-valved,  1-seeded. 

A  shrub,  5  to  10  feet  high.  Leaflets  in  about  5  jDairs,  with  an  odd  ter- 
minal one,  nearly  sessile,  ovate,  acute,  slightly  serrate,  somewhat  downy 
underneath.  Both  leaves  and  flowers  in  axillary  clusters,  the  latter  ap- 
pearing in  Ai:)ril  or  May,  before  the  former  are  expanded. 

Habitat. — In  rocky  woods  and  on  river  banks  from  Virginia  northward 
and  westward  ;  not  common  east  of  the  Hudson  River. 

Xanthoxylum  clava  Herculis  Linur  (A'^  CaroHnianum  Lam). — 
Soutliern  Prickly  Ash,  Toothache  Tree. 

Descriptior. — Calyx:  sepals  5.  Corolla:  petals  5.  Pistils  3;  styles 
short.     Capsules  3,  nearly  sessile. 

A  small  tree,  with  branches  armed  with  long  sharji  prickles.     Leaflets 


1  i  0  EUTACE^. 

ill  3  to  5  pairs  niul  an  odd  terminal  one,  ovt.  te-lanceolate,  crenate-senoi- 
lato,  oblique,  shining  above.  Flowers  in  a  teriuinul  cyme,  appearing  in 
June  after  the  leaves  are  expanded. 

Ihibilal. — In  di-y  soil  near  the  coast,  from  Florida  to  North  Carolina 
and  westward. 

Fart  U^t'd. — The  bark  of  hoth  speeies — United  States  PharmacopnUi. 
The  fruit  is  also  used  to  some  extent,  Init  is  not  official. 

Const  it  Koitfi. — Prickly  ash  has  a  taste  which  is  at  tirst  aromatic,  then 
bitter,  and  finally  persistently  acrid.  It  contains  volatile  and  fixed  oils, 
resin,  gum,  coloring  matter,  and  berberiue,  the  latter  being  probably  its 
most  important  constituent. 

VrepurutionH, — Extractum  xanthoxyli  flnidum — fluid  extract  of  xanthox- 
ylum. —  L'niled  Stales  /'hnrniacopada.  It  yields  its  virtues  readily  to  boil- 
ing water  and  to  alcohol,  and  may  therefore  be  administered  in  decoction 
or  tincture.     The  fruit  is  used  in  like  manner. 

Medical  ProperlicH  and  Uses. — Prickly  ash  is  stimulant  and  diapho- 
retic, and  has  long  enjoyed  a  certain  degree  of  popularity  as  a  remedy  for 
chronic  rheumatism.  It  powerfully  stimulates  secretion  from  nnicous  sur- 
faces, causes  a  sensation  of  warmth  in  the  stomach,  and  luidoubtedly  exerts 
an  eliminant  inlluence.  Hence  it  has  1)een  used  with  benefit  in  constitu- 
tional syphilis.  As  a  tonic  it  is  manifestly  inferior  to  its  alkaloid,  ber- 
beriue, but  as  an  alterative  and  eliminant  much  superior.  It  is  employed 
topically  in  domestic  practice  as  a  remedy  for  toothache  and  as  a  counter- 
irritant,  and  has  been  recommended  as  a  local  ai)iilication  in  chronic 
pharyngitis  characterized  by  dryness  of  the  nuicous  membrane. 

PTELEA.— SnuuHBY  Tuefoil. 

Ptelea  trifoliata  Linne. — Shrulihy  Tir/uU,  Hop  Tree. 

Jh:.<cripli()i). — Calyx  :  sepals  3  to  5,  small.  Corolla  :  petals  3  to  5,  im- 
bricated in  the  bud,  much  longer  than  the  sepals.  Stamens  3  to  5,  alter- 
nate with  the  petals  ;  filaments  densely  villous  below  the  middle,  longer 
than  the  style  in  the  sterile  flowers,  shorter  in  the  fertile  ones.  Ovary 
2-celled,  each  cell  2-ovuled  ;  styles  short  or  absent ;  stigma  2-lobed.  Fruit 
an  orbicular  samara,  2-celled,  2-seeded,  nearly  one  inch  in  diameter. 

An  iniarmed  shrub,  8  to  12  feet  high.  Leaves  tri£t)liate,  on  petioles 
about  2  inches  long  ;  leaflets  2  to  4  inches  long,  oval  or  ol)long,  mostly 
acute,  obscurely  crenate-serrate,  the  lateral  ones  somewhat  oblique,  pubes- 
cent when  3'oung.  Flowers  polygamous,  small,  greenish-white,  in  com- 
pound terminal  cymes,  appearing  in  May  and  June,  and  having  a  disagree- 
able odor. 

Habitat. — In  rocky  places  from  Pennsylvania  to  Florida  and  west- 
wai'd. 

Farts  Used. — The  fruit,  leaves,  and  bark  of  the  root — not  official. 


,  RHUS — SUMAC.  117 

Gonslituenlii.—Tho  leaves  cont.aiii  tannic  find  pfiillio  ficida,  tho  fruit  ii 
soft  acrid  resiu,  and  the  biirk  a  peculiar  resin  and  tlie  alkaloid  berberiuo. 

/'raparutioiift. — None  are  oilicial.  The  lluid  extract  and  tincture  occur 
as  connnercial  articles  and  allbrd  eligible  modes  of  ailinini.stration.  It 
may  also  be  employed  in  infusion. 

Medical  Pi'opaHie.-i  and  Uses, — Ptelea  owes  what  little  importance  it 
possesses  to  its  bitter  tonic  properties,  and  these  are  doubtless  owin<^  in  a 
tj;Teat  measure  to  the  berberine  present.  Moreover,  as  this  alkaloid  exists 
in  the  bark  of  the  root  in  but  small  percenta<40,  the  dru<4"  cannot  bo  con- 
sidered very  active.  The  (jtlier  constituents  of  the  plant,  though  somewhat 
aromatic,  are  probably  of  little  medicinal  value. 

Like  nearly  all  bitters,  ptelea  has  been  employed  with  success  in  inter- 
mittents,  but  no  one  at  the  present  day  would  think  of  relying  upon  it  in 
sucli  cases.  In  convalescence  and  in  atonic  dyspepsia  it  luay  do  tho  same 
service  as  many  other  fo'cble  tonics,  by  increasing  the  appetite  and  stinui- 
lating  the  digestive  functions. 

ANACARDIACE/E. 

Charadcr  of  the  Order. — Trees  or  shrubs,  with  a  resinous  or  milky,  often 
caustic  and  poisonous  juice,  alternate,  dotle.ss,  exstipulate  leaves,  and  small, 
inconspicuous,  regular,  pentandrous  llower.s,  with  a  1-celled  ovary,  bearing 
a  single  suspended  ovule,  and  having  3  styles  or  stigmas. 

An  order  of  strongly  marked  characteristics,  comprising  aljout  one 
luuidrcd  species,  mostly  indigenous  to  the  tropics,  llepresented  in  North 
America  by  three  genera,  namely,  Pistacia,  Scliiuus,  and  Ithus,  the  last- 
named  aloue  comprising  medicinal  species. 

RHUS.— Sumac. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Sepals  5,  small,  united  at  the  base,  persistent. 
Petals  5,  ovate,  spreading,  inserted  under  the  margin  of  a  flattened  orbicu- 
lar disk  at  the  bottom  of  the  calyx.  Stamens  5,  inserted  in  or  under  the 
disk.     Styles  3,  distinct  or  united  ;  stigmas  3.     Fruit  a  small  dry  drupe. 

Shrubs  or  small  trees,  with  alternate,  unequally  pinnate  leaves,  and  small 
yellowish  or  greenish-whito  polygamous  or  polygamo-diipcious  Howers. 

Tlie  genus  may  be  divided  into  two  sections,  well-marked  both  as  to 
their  structure  and  their  properties. 

§  1.  Non-2Joi>ionnus  Species — Flowers  polygamous,  in  a  terminal  thyr- 
soid  panicle.  Fruit  clothed  with  a  dense  coating  of  crimson  hairs  ;  stone 
smooth.     Leaves  unequally  pinnate.  .__.  —  .    ------- 

Rhus  glabra  Linne. — Smooth  Sitmac. 

Description. — A  smooth  shrub,  2  to  12  feet  high,  tho  stem  having  a 
large  pith  and  a  thin,  white,  woody  layer.     Leaflets  in  5  to  15  pairs,  with 


lis  ANACARmACE.E.  , 

an  odil  terminal  one,  lanceolate-ohlong,  pointed,  serrate,  Rinooth  and  glau- 
cous above,  whitinh  beneath.  The  flowers  ajjpcar  in  Juno  ;  the  fruit  ripens 
in  September. 

Jlahildl. — III  dry,  rocky,  and  rather  barren  places  throughout  the  United 
States  and  Canada. 

Rhus  typhina  humi'.—Slarjhorn  Sumac. 

Ih'i^criptinn. — A  large;  shrub  or  small  tree,  10  to  30  feet  high,  the  young 
bi'anehes  as  well  as  the  leaf-  and  flower-stalks  densely  coated  with  soft  vel- 
vety hairs.  L(!afl()ts  in  5  to  15  pairs,  with  an  odd  terminal  one,  oblong- 
lanceolate,  point('<l,  serrate.  The  flowers  appear  in  June  ;  the  fruit  ripens 
in  September.  ]\ruch  more  robust  than  the  preceding  species.  The  pith, 
though  large  in  the  young  branches,  is  surrounded  in  later  years  by  a  thick 
layer  of  rather  dense  yellow  Avood. 

Ilaliilal. — In  rich  uplands,  United  States  and  Canada. 

Rhus  COpallina  Linnr. — Dirarf  Siuikic. 

Di'ftrn'iilloi). — A  small  shrub,  1  to  7  feet  high,  with  straggling  branches 
and  running  roots.  Branches  and  stalks  downy.  Petioles  wing-mar- 
gined ;  leaflets  in  4  to  10  pairs,  with  an  odd  terminal  one,  oblong  or  ovate- 
Luiccolate,  oblique,  sinooth  and  shining  above,  pubescent  beneath. 

Ilabilat. — In  barren  and  rocky  situations.  United  States  and  Ciuiada. 

i'rtr/.s  Um'cL — Of  lihus  glabra,  the  fruit  —  United  Sfulcs  Flun'niardjMvut. 
The  fruit  of  both  E.  ti/phina  and  II.  vopuUina  is  possessed  of  in'operties 
identical  with  those  of  the  official  plant,  and  may  bo  substituted  as  occa- 
sion recpiires.  The  leaves  and  bark  of  all  the  species  have  been  eniplo^-ed 
but  nre  not  official. 

ConslUwntx. — Svnnac  berries,  as  they  are  called,  have  a  pleasant  acid, 
astringent  taste,  due  to  the  presence  of  malic  acid  in  the  dense  crimson 
pubescence  which  covers  them.  This  acid  is  present  both  in  a  free  state 
and  in  combination  as  malate  of  calcium,  and  is  associated  with  tannic  and 
gallic  acids,  coloring  matter,  etc. 

Sumac  leaves  are  comparatively  rich  in  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  so  much 
so,  indeed,  as  to  be  of  economic  importance  in  the  tanning  of  leather. 
Excrescences,  or  galls,  are  produced  upon  them  which  are  said  to  be  hardly 
inferior  to  the  galls  of  commerce.  The  bark  is  also  possessed  of  astringent 
properties,  but  to  a  more  limited  extent  than  the  leaves. 

I'reparation^. — Extractum  rhois  glabra)  fluidum — fluid  exti'act  of  rhus 
glabra, — United  Stafex  Fhnrmacop(eia.  Of  the  other  species  there  are  no 
official  preparations.  The  berries  of  all  the  species  are  frequently  em- 
ployed in  infusion,  and  when  they  can  be  obtained  in  good  condition  this 
form  is  undoubtedly  the  most  eligible  one  to  use,  either  topically  or  inter- 
nally.    The  leaves  may  l)e  employed  in  infusion  or  decoction. 

Medical  Pi'oprrties  and  Uf<es. — Sumac  berries  are  astringent  and  refrig- 
erant. An  infusion  has  long  been  used  in  domestic  practice,  internally 
for  refrigerant  eflect  in  febrile  and  inflammatory  atiections,  and  topically 


TMIUS — SUMAC. 


ll'.J 


as  n  gnrpflo  for  soro  throat.  Nor  lias  its  use  been  cnnfinod  entirely  to  do- 
inostic!  practice,  for  nmny  excellent  practitioners,  esiiecially  those  resident 
hi  tlie  country  \vher(;  the  fruit  is  readily  accessible,  employ  it  habituallv 
as  a  coolinj,'  drink  and,  either  Jilone  or  as  a  basis,  for  <;ar<jfl('s. 

The  leaves  and  bark  owe  Avhatcver  of  medicinal  activity  they  possess  to 
the  pi'esenco  of  tannit^  and  gallic  acids,  and  may  be  employed  as  simple 
vegetable  astrin<;ents  wherever  such  remedies  are  indicated. 


Fia.  117.— Rhus  Toxicodendron.     A  lloweiiiig  brunch,  out  lialt  naturnl  size. 

§  2.  I\)isouoiiK  S2)ecies. — Flowers  polypfamous,  in  loose  and  slender  ax- 
illary panicles.  Fruit  olobular,  glabrous,  whitish  or  dun-colored  ;  stou'i 
striate.     Leaves  unequally  pinnate  or  trifoliate. 

Rhus  Toxicodendron  Limu'. — Poison  Ivi/,  FoiKon  Oak. 

Descriptiun. — A  low  shrub  or  tall  climber,  according  to  the  circum- 
stances in  which  it  is  placed.  Leaflets  3,  rhombic-ovate,  entire,  or  vari- 
ously cut  and  lobed,  smooth  and  shining  above,  downy  beneath.  Panicles 
snnJl,  tioNvers  minute,  fruit  about  the  size  of  small  peas,  greenish. 


rjO  ANAC'AUDIACE.E. 

TliiH  pommon  and,  by  many  people,  nmch-droatlod  plant  opeurs  in  two 
rather  (liHtinct  lornis,  which  were  formerly  coiisiilereil  sep.irate  species, 
but  are  now  rceojjjiiized  as  Hpecitically  identical,  their  ditterenceH  beii^'  duo 
entirely  to  the  circuniHtances  of  their  growth.  A  plant  growing  in  an  open 
Hpace  with  no  convenient  support  near  has  the  habit  of  a  low  Hhrub  ;  while 
one  rooted  at  the  base  of  a  tree  or  beside  u  rock  puts  forth  innumerable 
adventitious  rootlets,  and  1,'y  means  of  these  climbs  u^jward  vigorously, 
never  stopping,  under  favorable  cireumshuices,  until  it  has  reached  the 
highest  point  attainable.  Another  curious  feature  in  the  growth  of  the 
plant  as  a  clindjer  is  that  the  increase  in  the  thickness  of  the  stem  takes 
place  almost  entirely  upon  the  side  next  the  sui)port,  whether  this  be  a 
rock,  tree,  or  any  other  ol'ject,  so  that  the  pith  is  eccentric.  As  the  root- 
lets bring  no  nourishment  to  the  stem,  and  as  they  are  put  forth  in  <|uantity 
only  when  there  is  something  near  to  lix  themselves  to,  it  ap2)ears  jjrobable, 
as  the  author  endeavcn'ed  to  show  some  ye.'irs  ago,  that  they  are  i)roduced 
by  the  mere  stimulation  of  contact  ;  and  also  that  the  increased  growth 
Ij  on  the  side  of  the  stem  next  the  support  is  induced  in  the  same  mannei-. 

The  climbing  plant  was  formerly  denominated  11.  i-aiUcans,  a  name,  of 
course,  now  discarded. 

Iluhilat. — Common  everywhere  from  Canada  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and 
westward. 

Rhus  venenata  Dc  CandoUe. — Poison  Sumac,  Poison  Elder. 

l)(:<(rii)tion. — A  vigorous  shrub,  G  to  18  feet  high,  with  sniooth,  pale 
gray  bark.  Leaflets  in  3  tob  G  pairs,  with  an  odd  terminal  one,  obovate- 
oblong,  entire,  r-uiicles  larger  than  in  the  preceding  species  ;  fruit  also 
larger,  greenish-yellow  or  greeni.sh-white. 

Habitat. — Conimon  in  swamps  and  wet  places  fi'om  Canada  to  Floi'ida 
and  westward. 

Tart  Used. — The  fresh  leaves  of  Rhus  Toxicodendron — United.  Slates 
Pharmaeopa)ia.     The  leaves  of  It.  venenata  possess  similar  properties. 

Constituents. — Tlieso  species  of  rims,  together  with  li.  diccrsiloba  Tor- 
rey  and  G  ->*  the  Pacific  Coast  and  II.  pumila  Michaux  of  the  Southern 
States,  r  the  poisonous  members  of  the  genus  indigenous  to  North 

Am''  .  cir  poisonous  properties,  though  dittering  in  degree,  are  es- 

sei  .vtentical  in  quality.      11.  pamda  is  said  to  be  the  most  poisonous 

of  tilt;  group,  while  /'.  venenata  occupies  a  second  place,  being  itself  con- 
siderably more  violent  in  action  than  11.  toxicodenaron  or  It.  diversilolm ; 
the  two  last-named  resendjling  each  other  very  much  both  in  habit  of 
growth  and  in  their  efleots.  The  poisonous  constituent  of  these  plant.s, 
though  considerably  investigated,  has  not  been  as  yet  thoroughly  charac- 
terized. That  it  is  volatile  is  well  known,  and  that  it  is  an  acid  principle 
has  also  been  demonstrated  ;  but  beyond  this  nothing  is  definitely  known. 
Though  volatile  and  capable  of  producing  its  peculiar  etTects  upon  verj' 
suscej^tible  individuals,  even  at  some  distance  from  the  growing  plants,  it 


RHUS — SUMAC.  121 

nmy  l>o  prrsorvcd  iti  i)ropor  Mdlvciits  for  a  grrat  length  of  time.  Tho 
author  himself  Iiiis  cxiu'vicncrd  jjoisonoits  cit'cctH  from  a  tincture  <:i  li. 
vcnciia/d  i)re[)iir(Ml  thirty  _v(  arH  before,  wliich  was  aiJiilied  by  way  of  exppin- 
iiient.  Peetiliar  as  the  principle  in,  it  finds  its  parallel  in  tho  well-known 
fact  that  only  certain  persons  are  Husccptiblo  to  its  influence.  This  sus- 
ceptibility nmy  exist  in  all  tlio  members  of  a  family,  or  in  one  f)r  two  only, 
tho  others  enjoying  complete  immunity.  And  again,  tiiere  are  gn^at  dilYor- 
onces  in  tlie  degree  of  the  snsce])tibility  of  dilVereiit  individuals.  One  may 
}>o  violently  poisoned  by  tho  emanations  from  a  growing  plant,  while  an- 
other may  re(iuirf(  actual  contact  to  produce  oven  slight  manifestations. 
The  poisonous  principle  is  present  in  all  parts  of  these  plants,  but  is  most 
concentrated  in  tho  milky  j;;ico.  Tlio  other  constit>ients  are  unimportant 
and  inert,  being  only  the  ordinary  vegetable  prineipl'S. 

yVcyw/v^/t'oNs.  -None  are  othcial.  Tho  fresh  loiives  of  A'.  Toxii'ixlcinlroa 
were  admitted  into  tho  Pharmacopceia  with  the  idea  that  the  prescril)er 
would  order  a  tincture  made  fx'oin  thoni  according  to  the  fornnila  provided 
*'">r  tinctures  of  fresh  herbs.  The  other  species  are  susceptible  to  similar 
t;  ^atmont.  There  can  be  no  doubt  tliat  an  alcoholic  tinc^turo  kept  tiglitly 
corked  is  tho  best  moans  for  preserving  the  drug  in  at^tivity. 

Medical  I'roprrtii'.-i  aitd  fVcs-. — Here  we  are  altogether  in  tho  dark. 
Cases  ai*e  reported  of  jiersons  sut!oring  from  various  cutaneous  eruptions 
having  been  permanently  cured  by  accidental  rhus-poisoning.  Cases  are 
now  and  then  reported  also  of  paralytics  having  been  restored  liy  strokes 
of  lightning,  yet  paralytics,  as  a  rule,  Avould  prefer  not  to  undergo  such 
heroic  treatment.  Granting  that  it  may  l)o  possible  to  cure  certain  skin 
diseases  by  this  substitutive  action,  the  first  thing  to  decide  in  a  given  case 
would  be  the  susceptibility  of  the  i^ationt  to  the  remedy,  and  the  second, 
how  to  Umit  its  action  within  reasonal.*.  bounds.  In  endeavoring  to  settlf, 
the  first  by  exjieriment,  gi'oat  risk  would  bo  run  of  going  beyond  tho  sec- 
ond altogether  ;  for  as  no  man  Ii'vs  yet  discovered  anything  like  an  infallible 
remedy  for  rhus-poisoning,  thougii  palliatives  are  numerous,  no  one  is 
likely  to  be  able  to  prescribe  limits  for  it  when  used  as  a  remed)'.  Certain 
it  is  that  rhus  will  never  be  very  popular  as  an  external  application  with 
patients  who'  like  the  writer,  have  experienced  its  poisonous  etfects.  Re- 
garding its  use  as  an  internal  remedy,  still  loss  need  be  said.  Nearly  all 
the  testimony  to  its  value  when  used  in  this  manner  comos  from  sources 
discredited  in  scientific  medicine.  It  is  claimed,  of  course,  that  it  exerts 
specific  eifects  in  certain  cases,  even  when  administered  in  infinitesimal 
doses  ;  but  when  we  consider  that  personal  susceptibility  is  the  first  requi- 
site for  any  effect  whatever,  we  may  well  doubt  the  specific  eflfect  of  even 
minute  doses  upon  humanity,  or  disease,  at  large.  Finally,  admitting  the 
potency  of  rhus  as  a  cane  j  of  disease,  we  have  yet  to  learn  its  power  and 
mode  of  use  as  a  remedy. 


122  KIIAMXACE.E. 


RHAMNACE>E. 


Character  of  the  OrrZcr.— Shrubs  or  small  trees,  witli  simple,  alternate 
leaves,  often  thorny  branches,  and  small  polygamous  or  dujecious  Howers. 
Calyx  with  4  or  5  short  deciduous  teeth  or  sepals,  valvate  in  the  bud.  Petals 
■4  or  o,  vexy  small,  folded  inward  in  the  l)ud  ;  sometimes  "wanting.  Stamens 
as  many  as  the  sepals  and  alternating  with  them,  inserted  with  the  petals 
on  a  disk  which  lines  the  tube  of  the  calyx.  Ovary  2-  to  5-celled,  each  cell 
1-ovuletl  ;  style  very  short ;  stigmas  2  to  5.  Fruit  a  small  berry  or  drupe 
enclosing  2  to  5  one-seeded  nuts. 

A  \\idely  distributed  older  of  more  than  forty  genera,  about  a  dozen 
of  which  are  rcpx'esented  in  North  America — two,  llhamnus  and  Ceauothus, 
comprising  medicinal  species. 

RHAMNUS.  — BucKTiiouN. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Calyx  4-  or  5-cleft,  cup-shaped,  lined  with  a 
thin  disk.  Corolla :  petals  as  many  as  the  teeth  of  the  cidyx,  small,  short- 
clawed,  notched  at  the  end,  folded  about  the  stamens  ;  sometimes  wanting. 
Ovary  free,  2-  to  4-celled.     Drupe  or  berry  containing  2  to  4  nutlets.. 

Shrubs  or  small  trees.  Leaves  smooth,  feather-veined.  Flowers  small, 
greenish,  in  axillary  clusters.     Fruit  black. 

Rhamnus  cathartica  Linne. —  Co))r,:'oi)  Ihichihom. 

JJescrlpl it'll. — Calyx  4-cleft.  Corolla  :  ])( trJs  very  narrow,  not  longer 
than  the  teeth  of  the  calyx.     Fruit  about  the  size  of  a  pea. 

A  smooth  shrub,  G  to  15  feet  high,  with  spreading  branches,  the  smaller 
ones  often  ending  in  a  stout  thorn.  Leaves  1^  to  2  inches  long,  tvro-thirds 
as  wide,  ovate,  acuminate,  serrate,  with  a  few  prominent,  obliquely  diverg- 
ing veins.  Flowers  ditocious,  thickly  clustered  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves, 
appearing  in  May  and  June. 

JIal)itat. — A  native  of  Europe  and  Asia,  but  sparingly  naturalized  in  the 
Northern  Atlantic  States. 

Rhamnus  Purshiana  Do  Candolle. — Calfornia  Buckthorn,  Sacred 
Bark. 

Dciicr'ptior  -  -Calyx  5-cleft.  Corolla  :  petals  5,  two-lobed.  Styles 
rather  short,  t  ad  to  the  summit ;  stigmas  3.  Fruit  turbinate,  3-seeded, 
the  size  of  a  If  ^e  pea. 

A  shrub  or  small  tree,  10  to  20  feet  high,  with  a  trunk  sometimes  8  or 
n  inches  in  diameti  r.  Leaves  3  to  5  inches  long,  \\  to  2  inches  in  diam- 
eter, sometimes  slightly  cordate  at  the  base,  rarely  acute  or  with  a  slight 
acumination  ;  the  lower  surface  strongly  pubescent,  the  lateral  veins  prom- 
inent.    Flowers  umbellate,  in  clusters  of  10  to  20. 

Habitat. — On  the  Pacilic  Coast  from  California  northward. 


CEAXOTHUS — NEW    JERSEY    TEA.  123 

Parts  Used.  —  Of  Illiainiius  catliartica,  the  fruit — not  official ;  of  K. 
Piirsliiaua,  the  bark — not  official. 

CoiislUucnU. — The  berries  of  common  buckthorn  are  pulpy  and  contain 
a  deep  green  juice,  having  a  faint  unpleasant  odor,  a  bitterish,  acrid,  nau- 
seous taste,  and  possessing  active  purgative  properties.  Various  analyses 
have  demonstrated  the  jn-esence  of  a  peculiar  principle  termed  rhamnora- 
tharliii,  to  which  the  berries  owe  icir  activity.  The  bark  of  the  plant  is 
also  actively  purgative. 

An  analysis  of  the  bark  of  R.  Purshiana  lade  by  Professor  A.  B.  Prescott 
yielded  a  bitter  brown  lesin,  a  I'cd  resin,  a  light  yellow  resin,  tannic,  malic, 
and  oxalic  acids,  a  neutral  crystallizable  substance,  and  a  volatile  oil,  but 
experiments  have  not  been  made  to  ascertain  which  of  these  possesses  the 
therapeutic  properties  of  the  bark. 

J^n'paralions. — A  syrup  of  buckthorn  made  from  the  juice  of  the  ber- 
ries is  official  in  Britain,  France,  and  Germany.  Of  R.  Purshiana  there  are 
commercial  fluid  exti'acts  and  elixirs  in  profusion,  but  no  officiid  prepara- 
tions. 

3Ic(lical  Propcr/irs  and  Uses. — All  the  species  of  rhamnus  thus  far  sub- 
jected to  experiment  possess  purgative  properties  of  greater  or  less  activity. 
In  general  their  action  is  harsh  and  violent.  Nausea  and  vomiting,  as  well 
as  severe  griping  pains,  not  unfrequently  attend  their  purgative  action. 
For  this  reason  JL  cafharlica  and  R  Urangula  {Frangula  ourk)  have  never 
found  much  favor  in  this  countiy,  and  even  in  Europe  they  are  commonly 
administered  Anth  aromatics  and  correctives  in  order  to  diininish  the  vio- 
lence of  their  action.  Some  years  since  It.  Par.-^Juana  was  introduced  to 
professional  notice  in  this  country  under  the  absurd  and  fanciful  title  of 
cascara  sagrada,  and  most  energetic  eftbrts  were  made  to  gain  for  it  an  en- 
tirely unmerited  reputation  as  a  remedy  f(n  constipation,  etc.  Even  when 
administered  in  pleasant-tasting  elixirs — of,  to  the  prescribe!-,  unknown 
composition — its  action  is  not  unfrequently  attended  with  nausea  and  grip- 
ing. There  is  little  reason  for  considering  it  as  essentially  dillerent  from 
or  more  valuable  than  frangula  bark  or  common  Ijuckthorn,  and  hence  its 
popularity,  being  forced  and  fictitious,  will  be  short-lived. 

CEANOTIIUS.— Nkw  Jeuskv  Tea. 

Ceanothus  Americanus  Linne. — New  Jersey  Tea,  Red  Root. 

Description. — Calyx  bell-shaped,  5-cleft,  the  lobes  white,  incurved  ;  the 
lower  part  with  a  disk  cohering  with  the  ovary,  the  ujjper  finally  sep- 
arating transvarsely.  Corolla  :  petals  5,  hooded,  on  slender  claws  longer 
tlian  the  calyx,  white.  Stamens  exscrted  ;  anthers  ovate,  2-celled.  Ovary 
3-cclled  ;  styles  3,  united  to  the  middle,  diverging  above.  Fruit  bluntly 
triangular,  dry,  coriaceous,  separating  into  three  carpels  when  mature. 

A  freely  branching  shrub,  2  to  4  feet  high,  the  younger  branches  jjubes- 


124  CELASTRACE/E. 

cent.  Root  dark  red.  Leaves  2  to  3  inches  long,  ovjite  or  oblong-ovate, 
obtuse  or  sliji,lit]j  acuminate,  3-ribbed,  serrate,  pubescent  beneath  ;  ''ouie- 
times  slightly  cordate  at  the  base.  Flowers  in  axillary  clusters,  ajipearing 
in  July. 

llabUat. — Common  in  dry  woodlands  fi*om  Canada  to  Florida  and  west- 
ward. 

Parh  Uiicd. — The  leaves  and  root — not  official. 

Constifiii-iits. — Both  the  loaves  and  root  are  astringent  and  contain  a 
considerable  percentage  of  tannin. 

Preparations; — None  are  officiiil.  There  are  commercial  fluid  extracts 
fairly  representing  the  plant  ;  the  decoction  is  most  commonly  used. 

Medical  Prnpprt ii'.H  and  Usen. — The  leaves  were  used  during  the  Revolu- 
tion and  also  to  some  extent  during  the  late  Civil  AVar  as  a  substitute  for 
tea,  and  both  leaves  and  root  have  been  employed  internally  and  topically 
as  astringents. 

CELASTRACEiC. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Shrubs  or  small  trees,  with  alternate,  rarely 
opposite,  simple  leaves.  Flowoi's  in  small  axillary  cymes,  small,  green, 
white,  or  purple  ;  sepals  and  petals  4  or  5,  imbricate  in  the  bud  ;  stamens 
■i  or  5,  alternate  with  the  petals,  inserted  on  a  large  disk  which  surroxmds 
and  encloses  the  ovary.  Fruit  2-  to-5  celled,  capsular  or  drupaceous  ;  seeds 
arilled.  f 

An  order  jomprising  thirty-five  genera.  Represented  in  North  Amer- 
ica b}'  seven — two  only,  Cel.istrus  and  Euonymus,  comprising  medicinal 
species. 

CELASTRUS. -Staff  Tree. 

Celastrus  scandens  Linnc. — Woody 'Jlilfrrsweef. 

Bei^cription. — C;ilyx  turbinate,  5-cleft.  Corolla  :  petals  5,  ovate  or  ob- 
long, sessile.  Stamens  inserted  into  the  margin  of  the  fleshy  disk.  Ovai'y 
surrounded  by  the  disk,  3-celled  ;  styles  3,  united.  Fruit  a  globular  cap- 
sule, orangc-coloi'ed,  3-celled,  3-valved,  the  valves  at  maturity  opening  and 
folding  backward,  exposing  the  seeds  enclosed  in  a  fleshy,  crimson  aril. 

A  twining  shrub,  often  climbing  trees  to  the  height  of  twenty  or  thirty 
|i  feet.     Leaves  ovatc-obloug,  finely  serrate,  pointed.      Flowers  polygamo- 

dicecious,  inconsjiicuous,  ai:)pearing  in  June.  Fruit  very  ornamental,  and 
often  gathered  for  household  decoration. 

Ilalnlat. — Borders  of  Avoods  and  streams  and  along  old  fences,  from 
Canada  to  Carolina  and  w'estward. 

Part  Used. — The  bark — not  official. 

Con.tlitnents. — The  bark  has  a  sweetish,  nauseous  taste.  Its  chemical 
constituents  are  unknown. 


EUONYMUS — SPINDLE   THEE.  125 

Preparalions. — Nono  fire  official.     Commonly  used  in  docootion. 

Medical  I'rupertiea  and  Uses. — Climbing  bittersweet  is  said  to  be  dia- 
phoretic, diuretic,  alterative,  and  somewhat  narcotic,  but  its  reputation  is 
chiefly  in  domestic  practice,  wliero  the  el't'ects  of  large  draughts  of  warm 
water  arc  often  attributed  to  some  really  inert  substance  which  has  been 
boiled  with  it.  At  any  rate,  if  this  plant  really  possesses  valuable  medic- 
inal proj)erties  the  fact  is  yet  to  be  demonstrated. 

Climbing  or  woody  bittersweet  should  be  carefully  distinguished  from 
the  solanaceous  plant  (Sulanuni  Dulcamara),  also  known  as  bittersweet,  or 
herbaceous  bittersweet. 

EUONYMUS— Spindle  Turk. 

Euonymus  atropurpureus  Jacquin. — Wahoo,  Bumiufj  Ihoih. 

iJc-iirqif Ion.- -C.dyx  :  sepals  commonl}'  4,  united  at  the  base.  Corolla  : 
petals  as  many  as  the  sei)als,  rouudish-obovate.  Stamens  as  many  as  the 
sepals,  inserted  in  the  broad,  flat,  fleshy  disk  ;  filaments  short.  Ovary 
half  enclosed  by  the  disk  ;  styles  united.  Fruit  a  4:-lobed,  4-celled  cap- 
sule, each  cell  1-  to  2-seeded,  the  seeds  nearly  enclosed  in  the  bright-red, 
Bucculent  aril. 

A  shrub,  G  to  12  feet  high,  with  somewhat  quadrangular,  straight 
branches.  Leaves  petiolate,  ovate-oblong,  pointed,  finely  serrate.  Flowers 
dark  purple,  on  p(>dunck'S  1  to  2  inches  long,  5-  to  7-flowei'ed,  ajipearing 
in  June.     The  fi'uit  matures  in  Octobci*. 

Habitat. — In  shady  woods  from  Canada  to  Florida  and  westAvard. 

Part  Caed. — The  bark — United  Stutc-i  I'liarmacoijuda. 

Constituents. — To  analysis  euonymus  has  yielded,  besides  resins,  starch, 
glucose,  etc.,  a  peculitu"  bitter  neutral  principle  termed  (nto»//mm,  whose 
therapeutic  propci'ties  have  not  been  investigated.  The  so-called  euonij- 
inin  of  the  eclectic  practitioners  is  an  impure  resinous  bod}',  prepared  by 
precipitating  the  alcoholic  tincture  by  the  addition  of  water. 

1 're par  at  ions. — Extractum  euonymii— extract  of  cnowyiwn^.— United 
States  Pilar macopmia.  This  is  an  efficient  preiiaratif)n.  The  bark  imparts 
its  virtues  to  both  alcohol  and  water,  and  may  be  employed  in  tincture  or 
decoction. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Euonymiis  is  a  mild  and  somewhat  un- 
certain purgative,  having  probably  some  cholagogue  action.  Though 
chiefly  employed  in  empirical  i)ractice,  it  is  well  thought  of  by  many  regu- 
lar practitioners.  There  is  little  evidence,  however,  of  its  possessing  prop- 
erties of  sufficient  value  to  place  it  in  rank  with  many  other  cathartics  and 
purgatives  of  established  reputation,  and  the  efforts  now  being  made  to 
push  it  into  popular  favor  are  to  be  viewed  as  purely  busiueas  enterprises, 
having  little  reference  to  the  actual  value  of  the  drug. 


120 


SAPINDACEiB. 


SAPINDACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Trees  or  shrubs,  with  alternate  or  opposite, 
simple  or  compound  leaves.  Flowers  commonly  irregular  and  unsymmet- 
rical  ;  sepals  4  or  5  ;  petals  4  or  5,  sometimes  wanting  ;  stamens  5  to  10, 
perigynous  or  hypogynous,  inserted  upon  a  fleshy  disk  ;  ovary  2-  or  3-celled, 
each  cell  1-  or  2-ovuled. 

A  large  order,  chiefly  tropical.  Represented  in  North  America  l)y  about 
a  dozen  genera  only,  one  of  which,  yEsculus,  comprises  species  of  medicinal 
importance. 

^SCULUS.— HonsE-CuESTNUT,  Buckeye. 

Character  of  the  Oenu>^.~ -Calyx  campanvdate,.  54obed.  Corolla  :  i:)etals 
4  to  5,  expanded,  .more  or  less  unequal.  Stamens  G  to  8,  commonly  7  ; 
filaments   long   and  slender,   often  unequal.      Ovary  3-celled,    each   cell 


•-'•.J 


Via.  lis. — /"Esculus  Hippocaptanum. 


2-ovuled  ;  style  single.  Fruit  a  large,  smooth  or  prickly  capsule.  Trees 
or  shrubs,  with  oj^posite,  digitate  leaves.  Flowers  in  a  terminal  thyrse  or 
dense  panicle,  often  polygamous,  most  of  them  sterile. 

>Esculus  Hippocastanum  Linne. — Ilorfte- Chestnut . 

De)<cripf ion. —Ciiiyx  obtusely  5-t()othed.  Corolla  :  petals  oblong,  un- 
guiculate,  fringed  and  wavy,  white  with  a  small  red  or  yellow  spot  above 


yESCULUS — IIOUSE-CIIESTNUT,    BUCKEYE.  127 

the  claw.  Stamens  shorter  than  the  petals,  declined.  Capsule  roundish, 
prickly,  3-valved,  1-  to  3-celledj  coutaiuiuy  1  to  3  large,  oblong,  chestnut- 
brown  seeds. 

A  medium-sized  tree.  Leaflets  7,  obovate-lanceolate,  acuminate,  irreg- 
ularly serrate.  Flowers  beautiful  and  showy,  on  jointed  pedicels,  appear- 
ing in  June. 

Habitat. — Introduced  from  the  East  and  commonly  cultivated  for  orna- 
ment ;  scarcely  naturalized. 

/Esculus  glabra  Willdenow. — Ohio  Buckeye. 

Description. — Corolla  :  petals  l,  unequal,  spreading,  with  claAvs  as  long 
as  the  calyx,  pale  yellow.  Stsunens  7,  curved,  nuich  longer  than  the  jietals. 
Fruit  nearly  1  inch  in  diameter,  prickly. 

A  small,  ill-scented  tree.  Leailets  5,  oval  or  oblong,  acuminate,  serrate. 
Flowers  small,  in  loose  thyrsoid  panicles,  appearing  in  May  and  June. 

Habitat. — River  banks  in  Western  Peimsylvania,  Virginia,  Ohio,  and 
Kentucky. 

/Esculus  Pavia  Lhnu'. — Red  Jhui-ci/e. 

Description. — Calyx  tuljular.  Corolla  :  petals  4,  very  unequal,  coimiveut, 
red.     Stamens  G  to  8,  about  as  long  as  the  petals.     Fruit  smooth. 

A  shrub  or  small  tree.  Leaflets  5  to  7,  oblong-lanceolate,  cuneate  at 
the  base,  slightly  acuminate.  Flowers  large,  in  loose  thyr.soid  racemes, 
ai)poaring  in  April  and  May. 

Hiihitnt. — Mountains  of  Virginia  to  Georgia  and  westward.  ^Nlost  com- 
monly' a  shrub,  3  to  10  feet  high,  but  near  the  mountains  a  small  tree. 

I'a7'ts  Used. — Tiie  bark  and  the  seeds — not  official. 

Constituents. — The  most  important  constituent  thus  far  disoovei'ed  in 
any  plant  of  tliis  genus  is  a  priiKtiple  termed  <i:\^culin,  which  was  obtained 
fronx  the  bark  of  the  horso-chestnut.  The  rind  of  the  seeds  also  contains 
some  ;i;sculin.  The  seeds  of  all  the  species  abomid  in  starch,  mixed,  liow- 
ever,  with  a  Intter  and  acrid  substance,  which  can  only  bo  removed  by  long 
washing.  In  the  case  of  the  red  buckeye  this  has  been  shown  to  be  a 
glucoside,  possessed  of  poisonous  properties. 

Preparations. — None  are  official.  The  virtues  of  the  liark  are  impart- 
ed to  both  alcohol  and  water.  A  commercial  article  erroneously  termed 
(csculin  is  prepared  liy  precipitating  the  alcoholic  tincture  witli  water.  It 
is  said  to  be  an  efficient  preparation. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Horse-chestnut  bark  is  tonic  and  astrin- 
gent, and  formerly  had  some  reputation  in  Europe  as  an  antiperiodic.  It 
has  been  used  successfully  in  some  cases  of  intcrmittents  wliich  had  jire- 
viousl}'  resisted  quinine,  but  in  general  it  is  far  less  efficacious  than  the 
latter.  It  is  probable  that  the  bark  of  all  species  of  the  genus  possesses 
similar  properties,  difiering  only  in  degree.  The  poisonous  glucoside 
found  in  the  seeds  of  the  red  buckeye  is  also  likely  to  be  present  in  those 
of  other  species.     It  is  of  a  narcotic  character  and  said  to  be  about  one- 


128 


POLYGALACEyE. 


third  of  the  strength  of  opium.  In  the  Southern  States  the  seeds  of  this 
species,  crushed  to  a  pulp,  are  employed  to  stupefy  fish  and  thus  render 
their  capture  easy,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  seeds  of  Coccukxs  ludicus  are 
\ised  for  hlce  purposes. 

POLYGALACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Plants  witli  alternate  or  ojiposite,  exstipulate 
leaves.  Flowers  very  irregular ;  sepals  usually  5  ;  petals  3  ;  stamens  4 
to  8,  monadelphous  or  diadclphous  ;  antliers  1-celled,  opening  by  a  pore 
at  the  top  ;  ovary  2-eellcd,  each  cell  1-ovuIed.     Fruit  2-celled,  2-s(!eded. 

An  order  of  few  genera  but  many  species.  ReiDresentod  in  North 
America  by  three  genera,  only  one  of  which  comprises  medicinal  species. 

POLYG  AL  A.  — M 1 LK  wouT. 

Cliaracfcr  of  the  Gr.nus. — Calyx:  sepals  5,  persistent,  luiequal,  the 
three  outer  smaller,  the  two  inner  (lateral)  larger  and  petaloid.     Corolla  : 

2ietals  3,  unequal,  the  middle  (anteri- 
or) one  larger,  and  usually  crested  at 
the  aj^ex  ;  all  of  thorn  more  or  less 
united.  Stamens  8,  rarely  G,  their 
filaments  united  below  into  a  split 
tube  or  into  two  eqiial  sets,  and  more 
or  less  cohering  with  the  claAvs  of  the 
petals  also.  Ovary  2-celled,  each  cell 
1-ovuled ;  style  elongate,  curved. 
Fruit  a  small  2-seuded  pod  ;  seeds 
carunculiitc. 

Small  herbs,  in  temperate  cli- 
mates, with  alternate  or  whorled 
leaves.  Many  of  the  North  Ameri- 
can species  arc  supposed  to  possess 
medicinal  virtues,  but  only  one — I'ohj- 
gala  Sene(/a— has  an  established  repu- 
tation. The  genus  as  a  whole  prob- 
al)ly  deserves  further  investigation. 

Poly  gal  a  Senega  Linne. — Sene- 
ca Siialcroot,  Scu('(ja,  Sene/ra. 

Better ij)! ion. — Calyx  :  the  two  in- 
ner sepals,  or  Avings,  roundish-ovate, 
white,  slightlj'  veined.  Corolla  small,  closed,  lateral  petals  obtuse,  the  ante- 
rior, or  keel,  crested.  Capsule  obcordate,  compressed,  invested  with  the 
persistent  calyx. 

A  small  herbaceous  perennial.     Root  with  a  hard,  knotty  crown  and 
1,  ioxtuous  branches.     Stems  several,  6  to  12  inches  high,  smooth,  simple, 


Fifi.  119.— rolj-gnla  Senega. 


rOLYGALA — MILKWOUT.  l'2d 

occasionally  tinpjod  witli  red.  Loaves  nnmerons,  alternate,  lanceolate  or 
obloiig-liinceoliito,  1  to  2  inclies  Ion},',  with  rou};h  nuirgius.  ilowers  in 
dense  spikes,  1  to  1|  inch  lon<if,  appearing  in  May  and  June. 

Ildhilal. — In  dry,  rocky  woods  from  "Western  New  England  to  North 
Carolina  and  Avestward  ;  most  abundant  in  the  South  and  AVest. 

Polygala  polygama  AValter  (/'.  jv(te//a  Willdenow). — liUU'.r  Pohjgala. 

Jk'.-^crip'inii. — Calyx  :  wings  broadly  obovate,  spreading,  longer  llian  the 
petals.    Corolla  :  keel  conspicuously  crested.     Capsule  ()l)loiig,  eniarginate. 

A  small  biennial.  Stems  numerous,  mostly  simple,  leafy,  (i  to  i*  inches 
high.  Leaves  alternate,  oblanceolate  or  oblong,  1  inch  long.  Flowers  in 
terminal  racemes,  deep  rose-color  or  puiplish.  There  are  also  produced 
radical  racemes  of  inconspicuous  but  fertile  flowers,  which  are  prostrate 
upon  the  ground,  or  subterranean. 

JIahUal. — Dry,  sandy  soil  from  Canada  to  Florida  and  westward.  Very 
common. 

J'arta  Uacd. — The  root  of  P.  Senega  is  ofTicial  under  the  name  of  senega 
—  United  States  Fhannaevixvia.  Both  the  root  and  \\Gvh  oi  1\  polijgama 
(P.  1-nhella)  were  formerly  ofKcial,  but  have  been  discarded. 

C'o)i.tlifucnfs. — Senega  has  a  peculiar  odor,  and  a  tastes  which  is,  at  first, 
sweetish  but  afterward  pungent  and  acrid.  Its  most  important  constitu- 
ent is  a  peculiar  acrid  principle  termed  senecjUi,  or  pulijijulic  acid,  which  is 
believed  to  be  closely  analogous  to  saponin,  a  principle  existing  in  Sapon- 
aria  olfivinalia  and  Quillaia  bark.  From  P.  polygama  (P.  rubella)  has  been 
obtained  a  crystalline  compound  termed  piihi'iahwmrin,  which  has  a  very 
bitter  taste,  and  foams  considerably  when  agitated  with  water,  in  this  re- 
spect resembling  saponin. 

IWparationH. — Of  senega :  Abstractum  senegre — abstract  of  senega  ;  ex- 
tractum  senegic  fluidum — lluid  extract  of  senega'  ;  syrupus  scnegic — syrup 
of  senega  ;  a  constituent  of  syrupus  scilla;  con)positus — compound  syrup  of 
squill.  —  Culled  Sidles  Phar)iia(yp(eia.  Of  P.  i)olygama  there  are  no  olliciul 
preparations.  Both  species  yield  their  virtues  to  water  and  to  diluted 
alcohol. 

JlFedical  Properties  and  Uses. — Senega  in  small  or  medium  doses  is  dia- 
phoretic, diuretic,  and  expectorant  ;  in  largo  doses,  emetic  and  cathartic. 
In  practice  it  is  cliiefly  used  as  a  stimulating  expectorant  in  the  later 
stages  of  bronchial  and  inilmonary  alTections  after  active  inllanuuatory 
symptoms  have  been  subdued.  Its  emetic  and  purgative  action  has  been 
foiuid  useful  in  rheumatism  and  dropsy,  but  other  agents  ai'e  more  eligible. 
It  has  also  some  reputation  as  an  emmenagogue. 

Of  P.  polygama  there  is  little  to  be  said.  It  is  believed  to  jjossess  prop- 
erties similar  to  those  of  /•'.  ainara  of  Europe,  but  as  this  plant  is  no 
longer  oIKcial  there  its  properties  cannot  be  considered  of  much  value. 
All  species  of  the  genus  are  more  or  less  bitter,  and  probably  possess,  if 
nothing  else,  mild  toDic  properties. 
9 


130 


LEaUMINOS.E. 


LECUMINOS/E. 

Cliaracter  of  the  Order. — Herbs,  shruhs,  or  trees,  with  alternate,  stipu- 
late, generally  compound  leaves.  Flowers  pai)ilionaeeoU8,  sometimes  regu- 
lar ;  calyx  G-parted,  the  odd  segment  inferior  ;  petals  5,  the  odd  one  supe- 
rior ;  stamens  10,  rarely  5  or  indciinite,  monadelplious  or  diadclphous, 
sometimes  distinct,  commonly  perigyntjus  ;  ovary  simpl(>,  1-cellcd,  1-  to 
mauy-ovuled.     Fruit  a  1-  to  many-seeded  legume. 

A  very  large  order  of  plants,  occurring  in  all  parts  of  the  globe,  but  most 
abundantly  in  the  tropics.  It  has  been  divided  ir^to  three  sub-orders, 
namely,  I'lipUionaceie,  Ca'Holpiiiiea',  and  Jlimosca:.  To  the  iirst-named  sub- 
order belong  nearly  all  important  leguminous  plants  of  temperate  regions, 
and,  with  the  single  exception  of  Castiia — belonging  to  the  sub-order 
CtMnutpiniac — all  North  American  species  of  mediciuid  importance. 


PAPILIONACE^. 

Character  of  the  Sub-Order. — Flowers  i)apilionaccous  ;  sepals  5,  more  or 
less  Tinited,  often  unequally  so ;  petals  5,  irregular,  imbricate,  the  upper 
one  larger  than  the  others  and  u"ually  enclosing  them  in  the  bud  ;  stamens 

10,  rarely  5,  inserted  with  the  petals,  mona- 
delphous,  diadclphous,  or  sometimes  dis- 
tinct ;  when  diadelphous,  usually  Avith  nine 
in  one  set  and  one  in  the  other.  Ovary  nor- 
mally 1-celled,  sometimes  becoming  2-celled, 
or  transversely  many-celled  by  development 
of  partitions  after  tiowering.  Flowers  per- 
fect, solitary  and  axillary,  or  in  spikes,  ra- 
cemes, or  panicles. 


MELILCTUS.  — Melilot. 

Character  of  the  Genii!^. — Calyx  5-toothed. 
Corolla :  petals  free  from  the  stamen- tube, 
deciduous,  the  keel  blunt.  Stamens  dia- 
delphous, the  ui)per  one  free.  Pods  short, 
straight,  thick.  1- or  few  seeded,  indehiscent. 
Annual  or  biennial  herbs,  with  trifoliate 
leaves,  and  flowers  in  spiked  racemes. 

Melilotus    officinalis   Willdenow, — 
Yelloiv  Melilot. 

Descriptiou.^-'Flov.orfi   numerous,  2  to  3 
lines  long,  bright  yellow,  in  long  axillary  ra- 
cemes.    Pod  oval,  2  lines  long,  obtuse  or  pointed. 

An  erect  annual  or  biennial,  2  to  -i  feet  high,  branched,  glabrous.  Leaves 


Fro.  150.— Jlclilotns  offlclnalis. 


PSOUALEA.  I'M 

scattered,  on  lonfr  petioles  ;  leaflets  of  the  lower  leaves  nearly  orbicular,  of 
the  upper  narrow,  often  linear. 

Habitat. — Cultivated  and  waste  places.     Introduced  from  Europe. 

Melilotus  alba  Lambert. —  While  Mi'libil. 

JA'scripliuii. — Very  closely  resembling  the  preceding,  except  that  it  has 
white  flowers  and  is  a  somewhat  larger  plant. 

Ilabitat, — Cultivated  and  waste  places.     Introduced  from  Europe. 

J*art  Used. — Tlie  herb — not  official. 

Constituents. — These  plants  in  drying  have  a  fragrant  odor,  due  to  the 
presence  of  cuuinarin — the  important  constituent  of  Tonka  beans  ;  and  they 
are  only  interesting  on  this  account. 

J'n'iiarations. — There  are  none. 

Medical  J^rojjerties  and  Use.^. — Yet  to  be  determined.  That  coumarin 
exerts  a  decided  influence  upon  the  heart  is  well  known,  and  hence  all 
plants  in  which  this  jirinciple  is  found  are  not  Avithout  interest,  especially 
those  which  are  or  are  likely  to  be  \ised  as  adulterants  of  smoking  tobacco. 
There  is  good  reason  for  believing  that  many  of  the  ill  elYccts  of  cigarette- 
smoking,  so  common  among  our  boys  and  young  men,  are  duo,  not  to  tlie 
tobacco,  but  to  the  presence  of  adulterants  containing  coumarin.  (JSee  also 
Lialris  odui'atissinia.) 

P.SORALEA. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Calyx  deeply  5-cleft,  the  lower  lobe  longest. 
Stamens  diadelphous,  or  occasionally  monadelphous.  Pod  about  the  length 
of  the  calyx,  indehiscent,  1-seeded,  sometimes  beaked. 

Shrubs  or  herbaceous  perennials,  commonly  dotted  with  prominent 
glands  or  points.  Leaves  3-  to  5-foliate.  Flowers  in  spikes  or  racemes, 
white,  blue,  or  purple. 

Psoralea  melilotoldes  Michaux. 

Description. — Calyx  :  teeth  triangular-ovate.  Pod  orbicular,  trans- 
versely wrinkled.  Herbaceous,  sparingly  pubescent,  glandular,  1  to  2 
feet  high.  Leaves  3-foliate ;  leaflets  ol)long-lanceolate,  dotted,  about  2 
inches  long.  Spikes  oblong,  on  peduncles  three  to  foiu-  times  as  long  as 
the  leaves  ;  flowers  one-fourth  inch  long,  usually  in  pairs  on  short  pedicels, 
ajjpearing  in  ^lay  and  June. 

Habitat. — Dry  soil,  Ohio,  Illinois,  and  westward. 

Psoralea  esculenta  Pursh. 

Uescription.  —  Calyx  :  teeth  lanceolate,  a  little  shorter  than  the  corolla. 
Pods  beaked.  Herbaceous,  hairy,  about  1  foot  high.  Koot  thick  and  fusi- 
form, about  the  size  of  a  walnut.  Leaves  5-foliate,  slightly  dotted  ;  leaflets 
lanceolate.  Spikes  dense,  on  long  peduncles  ;  flowers  pale  blue,  one-half 
inch  long,  appealing  in  June  or  July. 

Habitat. — High  plains  from  Wisconsin  westward. 

J*arts  Used. — The  leaves  and  root — not  official. 


132 


LEOUMINOS^E. 


Comlituents. — Rosin  and  volatile  oil. 

IWparaliomt. — None  iiro  olliciul.  Alcohol  extracts  the  most  important 
constituents  of  the  plants. 

Medical  J^ro'pcrticK  and  Uxes. — The  nhove-doHcribcil,  as  well  as  several 
other  indigenous  specdes  of  the  genus,  have  been  used  to  ii  limited  extent 
as  remedial  agents,  but  not  sufficiently  to  establish  their  character.  All  of 
them  have  a  pungent,  bittei',  and  somewhat  aromatic  taste,  and  an;  doubt- 
less entitled  to  a  place  among  the  feebler  aromatic  l)itter  tonics.  The  fusi- 
form root  of  /*.  cscidcnld  is  somewhat  farinaceous,  and  was  formerly  eaten 
by  the  Indians  ;  when  roasted,  Pursh  says,  they  are  similar  to  yams.  The 
early  Canadian  voyuyeio's  gave  the  plant  the  name  ijumme  de  prairie  or 
pomme  blanche. 

ROBINIA.— Locust  Thee. 

Robinia  Pseudacacia  Limic. — Common  LocuKt. 

Dei^cription. — Calyx    short,     5-toothed,     slightly     2-]ipi)ed.      Corolla  : 

standard  large,  rounded,  re- 
flexetl ;  wing  and  keel  nearly 
as  long.  Stamens  diadelphous. 
Pod  about  3  inches  long,  llat, 
5-  to  ()-sceded. 

In  its  native  habitat  a  large 
tree,  70  to  80  feet  high  and  8 
to  4  feet  in  diameter  ;  farther 
north  it  seldom  attains  half 
this  size.  Leaves  unecjually 
pinnate  ;  leaflets  i)  to  13,  ses- 
sile, oval,  thin,  smooth  and 
shining.  Flowers  numerous, 
in  loose  i:)endulous  racemes, 
white,  and  very  fragrant ;  they 
appear  in  June. 

Hahilat. — Southern  Penn- 
sylvania to  Illinois  and  south- 
ward. It  is  cultivated  for 
ornament  and  for  its  valu- 
able timber  in  all  parts  of  the 
country,  and  is  also  largely  grown  in  Europe. 

Parts  Used. — The  leaves,  flowers,  bark,  and  root — not  official. 

Constituents. — The  bark  has  yielded  to  analysis  asparagin  and  a  peculiar 
glucoside  tenned  rohinin. 

Preparations. — The  bark  has  been  employed  in  decoction,  the  leaves  in 
powder,  and  the  flowers  in  the  form  of  a  syrup. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — These  are  altogether  problematical.    The 


Fig.  121.— Ilobini:i  rccndncicia. 


BAPTISIA — FALSE    TNDIOO.  lo3 

bark  is  said  to  1)p  tonic,  emetic,  and  cathartic  ;  tlio  loaves  eniotic ;  and  tlic 
flowers  mildly  narcotic.  Poisonous  etVects  have  been  produced  in  children 
from  eating'  tho  root,  the  symptoms  resembling  those  of  bc^Uadonna.  The 
flowers,  to  the  author's  own  knowledge,  are  often  eaten  with  impunity. 

TRPTIROSIA.— HoAiiY  Pea. 

Tephrosia  Virginiana  Porsoon. — Goal'fi  hue,  Turk-ei/  Pea,  Catgut. 

VeHcription. — Calyx  about  ecpially  5-clcft.  Corolla :  standard  large, 
rounded,  reflexed  ;  keel  petals  broad.  Stamens  monadelphous  or  diadel- 
phous.  Pods  about  2  inches  long,  Hat,  several-seculed.  An  herbaceous  p(>reu- 
nial.  Stems  numenms,  erect,  simple,  leafy  at  the  top,  silky  pubescent. 
Leaves  luiequally  pinnate  ;  leaflets  17  to  20,  linc^ar-oblong,  mucrouiite. 
Flowers  large  ftiid  numerous,  in  dense  oblong  racemes,  yellowiiih-whito 
marked  with  purple,  appearing  in  June  or  July. 

Jlahilnl. — Dry,  sandy  soil,  Canada  to  Florida  and  westward. 

J'uft  Usi'd. — The  root — not  ofKcial. 

Conxlit  uoitK.  — Unknown. 

IWparations. — Used  only  in  decoction. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — The  root  of  this  plant  is  said  to  have 
been  used  by  the  Indians  as  a  vermifuge  before  the  settlement  of  tho 
country  by  the  whites,  and  it  is  no.v  used  in  some  ])arts  of  the  United 
Stat(;s  for  the  same  puqiose.  Its  action  is  said  to  resemble  that  of  spigelia 
and  to  be  quite  as  eflicient. 

TJAPTISIA.— False  Inuioo. 

Baptisia  tinctoria  Robert  Brown.  —  Wild  Indigo. 

Dc.-icriplion. — Calyx  4-  to  5-toothed.  Corolla  :  standard  not  longer  than 
the  wings,  reflexed ;  wings  and  keel  petals  straight.  Stamens  distinct. 
Pods  oval-globose,  on  a  stalk  longer  than  the  calyx,  several-seeded.  An 
herbaceous  perennial.  Stems  smooth  and  slender,  freely  bx-anched,  2  to  li 
feet  high.  Leaves  palm:itely  trifoliate  ;  leaflets  rounded,  obovate-wedge- 
shapcd,  three-quarters  of  an  inch  long.  Flowers  yellow,  in  short  terminal 
I'acemes,  appearing  from  June  to  August. 

Habitat.  — Dry,  sandy  soil,  Canada  to  Florida  and  westward. 

Part  Used. — The  root— not  official. 

Gonstituenls. — The  most  recent  analysis  of  this  plant  demonstrates  the 
pi'esence  of  a  peculiar  alkaloid,  as  yet  unnamed.  Tlie  so-called  baptixiv  of 
the  eclectics  is  an  impure  resinous  substance  obtained  from  the  alcoholic 
tincture  by  precipitation  with  water. 

l\ej)arations. — None  are  ofiicial.  A  tincture  and  a  fluid  extract  occur 
as  commercial  preparations,  and  are  said  to  be  efficient.  The  author  has 
employed  a  tincture  made  from  the  fresh  bai"k  of  the  root. 


134  LKCI'MINOSiE. 

Midical  Prnporli''>^  nnd  T'hcx. — Early  in  this  century  Dr.  Tlmrher  hi}?hly 
rocommondctl  un  infusion  or  decoction  of  thiH  plant  an  an  antiHcptic  appli- 
cation to  ill-conditioned  ulcers,  and  as  a  parj^le  in  nuvli^'uant  and  Hcarla- 
tinal  sore  throat.  Other  physicians  considered  its  intci-nal  use  eflicacious 
in  typhus  (typhoid  ?)  and  niidignant  scarlet  fevers.  In  more  recent  times 
it  has  gaineil  a  great  reptitation  among  honujL'opathic  and  eclectic  practition- 
ers, especially  in  typhoid  fever.  Some  years  ago  the  author  expcrimLnted 
with  it  in  this  disease,  with  what  he  believed  to  be  satisfact'^i-y  results. 
(See  "Trans.  Med.  Soc.  State  ot  New  York,"  1880.)  Further  experinionta 
have  not  altogether  justified  the  conclusions  then  arrived  at ;  still  the  drug 
does  in  some  instances  appear  to  exert  a  favorable  iuHueuce,  and  is  worthy 
of  further  investigation. 

CASSIA.— Senna. 

Cassia  Marilandica  Linnc. — American  Snt^ia. 

Jh'scrip/iuii.  ~  Cii\\\  :  sepals  5,  scarcely  united  at  the  base,  colored,  de- 
ciduous. CoioUa  :  petals  5,  nearly  equal,  spreading.  Stamens  10,  rarely  5, 
distinct,  t)io  three  upper  commonly  abortive  ;  anthers  oi)euing  by  two  pores 
at  the  tci).  I'od  2  to  4  inches  long,  linear,  compr(>sscd,  slightly  ciu'ved, 
at  first  hairy,  ultimately  nearly  glabrous,  many-celled  with  iransverse  par- 
titions, niany-socded. 

An  herbaceous  perennial.  Stems  erect,  branching,  3  to  4  feet  high. 
Leaves  alternate,  equally  pinnate  ;  leaflets  in  (5  to  9  jKiirs,  ovate-oblong, 
mucronate,  1  to  2  inches  long,  one-half  inch  wide.  Flowers  bright  orange- 
yellow,  in  short  axillary  racemes,  on  the  upper  part  of  the  stem  ;  they  are 
produced  during  July  and  August. 

Hahital. — Common  in  alluvial  soil  from  New  England  and  New  York 
southward  and  westward. 

Part  Used. — The  leaflets — formerly  official ;  dropped  from  the  last 
edition  of  the  United  Sinfes  Pharmacopoeia. 

Coiislifi«;)its. — A  satisfactory  analysis  of  this  jilant  is  yet  to  be  made. 
One  analyst  has  found  in  it,  in  addition  to  the  ordinary  vegetable  prin- 
ciples, a  complex  substance  resembling  the  so-called  calhartln  of  imijorted 
senna. 

J\'eparationfi. — None  are  official.  It  yields  its  virtues  to  water,  and  is 
commoidy  administered  in  infusion. 

Medical  J'vnperiies  and  ^  w's. — The  action  of  American  senna  is  similar  to 
that  of  the  African  drug,  though  it  is  much  less  efficient,  a  dose  one-thi'd 
or  one-half  larger  being  required  to  produce  the  same  eflect.  On  thxs 
account  the  imported  article  is  generally  preferred. 

Other  species  of  cassia,  indigenovis  or  introduced,  are  said  to  possess 
medicinal  activity,  but  are  not  sufficiently  employed  to  require  further 
notice  here. 


PRUNU8— PLUM    AND   CIIEiJllY.  135 


ROSACEiC. 

Character  nf  (he  Order. — Herbs,  Hhnihs,  or  trees, with  nltorimto,  stipuliito 
leaves  and  re^'ulivr  flowers.  Sepals  ooimaouly  5,  rarely  less  or  more, 
united  at  tlio  base,  often  appeariuj-  double  by  a  row  of  bract  lots  outside  ; 
petals  as  many  as  the  sepals,  rarely  waiitin;j,  inserted  with  the  stamens 
upon  the  calyx  ;  stamens  numerous,  rarely  few  ;  ))istil  1  or  many,  <listinet, 
or  in  the  pisar  tribe  united  and  combined  with  the  calyx-tube.  I'ruits  ex- 
ceedingly varied. 

A  very  large  and  important  order,  represented  iu  all  parts  of  the  globe. 
Very  many  of  the  species  produce  valuable  fruits,  an«l  but  few  are  pos- 
sessed of  deleterious  properti(rs.  Autliorities  (blfer  widely  as  to  the  jtroper 
limitati(}ns  of  the  order  Torrey  and  Gray  ("Flora  of  North  America")  in- 
clude in  it  four  sub-orders,  namely  :  Ckri/suhitluned',  Ami/i/f/a/<'(i%  Jiasacea; 
aud  Fomete.     The  tirst-namod  sub-order  comprises  no  medicintd  species. 

AMYGI)ALE/E. 

Character  of  the  Snti-Ordcr. — Calyx  entirely  free  from  the  (usually) 
solitary  ovary,  deciduous.  Stylo  terminal  or  neaily  so.  I'ruit  a  drupe 
(stone-fruit),  1  seeded  or  rarely  2-seeded.  Trees  or  shrubs,  with  simple 
leaves,  the  bark  exuding  gum,  aud  the  bark,  leaves,  and  kernels  yielding 
the  peculiar  llavor  of  prussic  acid  (Gray).  This  section  comprises  all 
the  plants  of  the  order  which  possess  noxious  or  poisonous  properties, 
and  iu  all  the  poisonous  principle  is  the  same — prussic  acid — not  existing 
as  such  in  the  leaves,  bark,  and  kernels,  but  produced,  as  will  l)e  seen 
later  on,  by  infusion  in  waL'r.  It  is  represented  in  North  America  by  the 
genus 

PRUNUS.— Pl.UM    AN-n   CUEUUY. 

Character  of  the  Gen  an. — Calyx  5-cleft,  urn-shaped,  bell-shapod,  or 
tubular-obconical,  deciduous  after  liowcring.  Petals  5,  di,.inct,  spread- 
ing, inserted  with  the  stamens  upon  the  calyx-tube.  Stamens  1.")  to  20. 
Ovary  solit;iry,  2-ovuled.  Fruit  fleshy,  with  a  bony  stone.  Connnonly 
small  trees  or  shrubs,  with  edible  fruit. 

Prunus  serotina  Ehrhart(6VrasHS  serollna  Lol,«eleur,  Cerasus  Virgin- 
iaua  Michaux,  Prunus  Virgin iana  Miller). —  Wild  Clicrrg,  Wild  lUuck  Cherrij. 

Dcfivriplion. — Petals  small,  ohovate,  (]uickly  d(Mndu(>us.  Fruit  about  the 
size  of  a  pea,  nearly  black  when  ripe,  and  of  a  slightly  bitter  taste. 

In  favorable  locations  a  large  forest  tree.  Leaves  5  to  G  inches  long, 
lanceolate-oblong,  acuminate,  serrate  with  short  incurved  teeth,  some- 
what coriaceous,  tlark  shining  green.  Flowers  in  long  terminal  racemes, 
appearing  in  June  after  the  tree  is  in  full  leaf. 

Habitat. — Canada  to  Florida  and  westward  ;  very  common. 


136 


ROSACEiE. 


w& 


Prunus  Virginlana  Linnu  {Prunus  Canadensis  Marshall,  Primus 
serutlna  Poir,  Ccrusus  Vinjiuiaaa  Loiseleur,  Cerasus  seroUna  Hooker). — 
Choke- Cher  r  I/. 

Description. — Petals  roundish.  Fruit  about  the  size  of  a  pea,  dark  red 
when  fully  ripe,  and  of  an  extremely  astringent  taste. 

A  shrub  or  small  tree,  Avilh  a  grayish  bark.  Leaves  thin  and  mem- 
branous, 2    to   3  inches   long,    broadly  ovjd,   oblong   or   ovate,    abruptly 

pomted,  ver}'  sharijl}-  and  often  doubly 
serrate.  Flowers  in  loose,  short  ra- 
cemes terminating  the  branches,  ap- 
pearing in  May  after  the  leaves  are 
considerably  developed. 

Habitat. — From  Canada  to  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico  and  westward ;  everywhere 
common. 

I'art  used. — The  bark  of  Prunus 
serotina  Ehrhart — official  name,  Pru- 
nus Virghiiaua — wild  cherry — Cniled 
t-jlates  Pliarmacopcviu.  The  bark  of  the 
other  species  is  said  to  be  fully  as  ef- 
ficient. As  will  be  seen  by  reference 
to  the  synonomy  of  the  two  species, 
theiu  has  been  groat  confusion  among 
botanists  in  their  nomenclature  ; 
hence  the  wild  cherry  of  the  Pharmr'- 
copoeia  bears  as  its  official  name  the 
projier,  and  at  present  generally  ac- 
cepted, title  belonging  to  choke- 
cherrj'. 

Gonstitui  nts. — Wild  cherry  bark 
contains  tarn 'ic  and  gallic  acids,  resin, 
starch,  and  other  common  vegetable 
principles,  and  by  distillation  j-ields 
a  peculiar  volatile  oil  resembling  the 
volatile  oil  of  bitter  almonds,  con- 
taining hydrocyanic  acid.  The  acid  does  not  pre-exist  in  the  bark,  but 
is  formed  by  the  action  of  a  proteid  upon  amygdalin,  an  amorphous 
or  crystidliue  principle  present  in  all  plants  of  this  sub-order.  Amyg- 
dalin is  not  poisonous  itself,  nor  is  the  proteid  substance.  Moreover, 
the  latter  is,  coagulated  by  heat  and  thus  rendered  inert;  hence  ii 
order  to  obtain  hydrocyanic  acid  from  wild  cherry,  the  biu'k  nmst  first  I  (. 
subjected  to  the  action  of  cold  water.  A  peculiar  bitter  principle  is  also 
present  in  wild  cherry  to  which  certain  of  the  medicinal  properties  of  the 
biu'k  are  tlue. 


Fig  122.- 


-rninns  snrotiiia  l'.hrh;'.rt  (Cerasu 
kerotina) 


SPIU.E  A MEADOW-SWEET.  1  o  7 

Preparations. — Extractum  pruni  virginianjo  fluidum — fluid  extraot  of 
wild  cherry  ;  iufusum  pruni  virgiuiaiiiu — infusion  of  wild  cherry  ;  syrupus 
pruni  virginiauiu — syrup  of  wild  cherry. —  United  States  Piiarmacopnia. 

Bleiiml  Properties  and  Uses. — "W'ild  cherry  is  tor'c,  astrin<^ent,  and 
sedative.  Its  tonic  virtues  doubtless  reside  in  the  bittor  principle  ini^n- 
tioned  above,  and  its  astringent  properties  are  due  to  the  tannic  and  gal- 
lic acids  which  it  contains,  while  its  sedative  influence  depends  entirely 
upon  the  liydrocyaiiic  acid  generated  by  its  infusion  in  water.  It  is  em- 
ployed chietly  in  pulmonary  consumption,  and  riot  tin  frequently  with  very 
beneficial  effects.  Undei  its  use  the  ap2)etite  improves,  and  both  the  cough 
and  expectoration  are  diminished.  As  the  percentage  of  hydrocyanic  acid 
present  in  the  infusion  is  very  small,  the  dose,  to  produce  a  decided  seda- 
tive effect,  must  necessarily  be  quite  large,  but  as  its  bitterness  is  also  of  a 
mild  character,  large  doses  are  generally  borne  withoiifc  inconvenience.  It 
is  sometimes  en^ployed  in  conditions  of  simple  del)ility  and  in  convales- 
cence, but  here  chieHy  for  its  tonic  effect.  Tlio  infusion,  made  with  cold 
wafer,  is  by  far  the  best  form  of  administration. 

E0SACE.T5. 

Character  of  the  Sal)- Order. — Calyx  entirel}-  free  from  the  ovaries,  though 
sometimes  enclosing  them  in  its  tube,  commonly  persistent.  Stamens  few 
or  many.     Pistils  few  or  many,  distinct,  rarely  solitary. 

This  section,  the  largest  of  the  order,  ^'ompriscs  many  of  the  small 
fruits  in  common  cultivation,  as  well  as  numenMis  plants  cultivated  for 
ornament.     Many  plants  of  the  sub-order  possess  astringent  properties. 

SPIR.'EA.— aiEADQW-SWEET. 

Spiraea  tome ntosa  Linne. — Hardhack,  Steeplehush. 

Description. — Calyx  5-cleft,  short,  persistent.  Corolla  :  petals  5,  obo- 
vate,  imbricate  in  the  bud.  Stamens  lU  to  50.  Pistils  5,  distinct.  Pods 
few-seeded. 

A  suKiU  shrub,  2  to  3  feet  high,  somewhat  branched,  brittle,  clothed 
with  a  woolly  pubescence  Avhich  easily  rubs  off".  Leaves  1  to  "2  inches  long, 
ovate,  unetpiall}'  serrate,  deep  green  above,  thickly  coated  with  a  nasty  pu- 
bescence beneath.  Flowers  small,  numerous,  rose-colored,  rarely  white, 
in  a  beautiful  elongated  panicle,  appearing  in  July  and  August. 

Iluliitut. — In  low  grounds  and  swampy  places  fi'om  Canada  to  Georgia 
and  westward. 

Parts  U.-ied. — Th  ives  and  bark  of  both  the  ste.'  and  the  root — not 
official.  - 

Constituents. — Tannic  and  gallic  acids. 

Preparations. — None  are  olficial.  A  decoction  is  usually  employed 
Solid  aud  fluid  extracts  occur  as  commercial  articles. 


ins 


ROSACEA. 


Medical  Proiyerties  and  Uses. — Hardback  and  other  species  of  spirrea, 
l)otli  iiulifj^eiioiis  and  exotic,  have  been  used  considerably  as  astringents, 
both  internally  and  topicallj'.  Their  action  appears  to  diU'er  in  no  way 
from  ^hat  of  other  simple  vegetable  astringents. 


GILLEXIA.— Indian  Physic. 

G  i  1 1 e n  ia  tr ifo  I  iata  Moonch. — Indian  Phi/sic. 

l)(vrripit<m. — Calyx  tubular-canipaniilatc,  5-toothed,  the  teeth  some- 
what reflexed.     Corolla  :  petals  5,  unequal,  hnear-lanceolate,  the  two  upper 

somewhat  separated  from  the  three 
lower,  inserted  in  the  throat  of  the 
calyx.  Stamens  10  to  20,  included. 
Pods  5,  included,  2-  to  4;-seeded. 

An  herliaceous  perennial. 
Stems  severrd  from  one  root,  1  to 
2  feet  high,  erect,  slender,  flexuous, 
smooth,  commonly  tinged  with  red, 
and  considerably  bivmched.  Leaves 
alternate,  trifoliate  ;  leaflets  ovate, 
lanceolate,  acuminate,  shiu-ply  sei*- 
rate.  The  upper  leaf  is  often  sin- 
gle. Flowers  few,  nodding,  rose- 
colored  or  white,  forming  a  loose 
paniculate  corymb,  appearing  in 
July. 

Habitat. — Canada  and  Western 
New  York  to  Georgia. 

jPart  Used. — The  root — not  of- 
ficial. 

Coustitiients.  —  In  addition  to 
the  ordinary  vegetable  principles, 
such  as  starch,  gum,  resin,  tannin, 
etc.,  gillenia  possesses  a  jjeculiar 
bitter  principle,  termed  (jillenin,  to 
which  its  therapeutic  properties  are  due.  Gillenin  has  been  obtained  in 
the  form  of  a  whitish  powder,  soluble  in  water,  alcohol,  ether,  and  dilute 
acids.     It  has  a  very  bitter  taste  and  is  an  active  emetic. 

rrepamtions.—'i^onG  are  official.  The  root  is  commonly  administered 
in  powder.     A  lluid  extract  occurs  as  a  commercial  article. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Gillenia  was  formerly  used,  especially  in 
domestic  practice,  as  r.i:  emetic.  It  is  said  to  act  like  ipecacuanha,  though 
less  efficienth'.  In  very  small  doses  it  is  said  to  exert  a  tonic  influence 
upon  the  stomach  similar  to  that  of  ipecacuanha  when  used  in  like  manner. 


Fio.  rM.— anicniii  trifoUtita. 


AGRIMONIA — AGRIMONY. 


139 


OiUenia  sfipiilacenj  Nuttall,  a  species  closely  resembling  the  preceding, 
and  growing  in  similar  situations,  is  possessed  of  identical  projierties. 
Both  species  were  formerly  oflicial,  but  have  been  dropped  from  the  Phar- 
macopceia,  since  they  are,  at  best,  but  poor  substitutes  for  ipecacuanha. 


AGRDIONI  A.  — AoniMONY. 


Agrimonia  EupatoriaLinne. — Agrimony. 

Duscriptiori. — Calyx  turbinate,  contracted  at  the  throat,  5-cleft,  armed 
with  hooked  bristles.     Corolla  :  petals  5,  twice  as  long  as  the  calyx,  yellow. 


Tia.  124.— Aiirimonin  Knp!\li(kia. 
Flower  euliirgutj. 


Fio.  130.— Asr'monin  Kiiimtorln, 


Fia.  125.  —Agrimonia  Eupntoria, 
Flowers  nnturnl  eizo. 

Stamens  12  to  15,  inserted  with  the  petals  in  the  throat  of  the  calyx.  Ova- 
ries 2  ;  styles  terminal.  Fruit  2-achenia  inclosed  in  the  persistent,  indu- 
rated calyx. 

An  herbaceous  perennial,  2  to  4  feet  high.     Leaves  interruptedly  pin- 
nate :  leaflets  5  to  7,  with  minute  ones  intermixed,  obloug-obovate,  coarsely 


140  .  IlOSACEyE. 

toothed.  Flowers  in  slender,  spiked  racemes,  appearing  from  July  to 
September. 

Habitat. — Borders  of  woods  from  Canada  to  Florida  and  westward. 
Common  in  Europe  also. 

Fart  Used. — The  whole  plant — not  official. 

Cons-'tittioiilx. — The  only  constituent  thus  far  discovered  in  agrimony  of 
therapeutic  importance  is  tannin,  which  exists  in  the  projjortion  of  less 
than  five  per  cent. 

JWpamlion.^. — None  are  official—  a  decoction  or  infusion  is  efficient. 

Mi'dical  Propcrth'M  and  C^c.^. — Agrimonia  has  been  used  considerably 
in  domestic  practice  in  cases  requiring  simple  vegetable  astringents. 

GEUM.— AvKNS. 

Geum  rivale  Linne. — Water  J/v??.?. 

J>cscripli.i>i). — C:ilyx  deeply  5-cleft,  the  segments  erect  or  spreading, 
jxirplish.  Corolla :  petals  5,  broadly  obovate,  emarginate,  abru2)tly  nar- 
rowed into  a  claw  about  as  long  as  the  calyx,  ligbt  purplish-orange.  Sta- 
mens numerous.  Achenia  mimerous,  gathered  in  a  head  upon  a  dry,  coni- 
cal receptacle  ;  styles  articulated  and  bent  in  the  middle,  the  upper  part 
plumose,  the  lower  glabrous. 

An  herbaceous  perennial.  Stems  nearly  simi^le,  1  to  3  feet  high,  re- 
trorsely  pubescent.  11  idical  leaves  lyrate  and  interruptedly  pinnate  ;  those 
of  the  stem  trifoliate  or  trilobed.  Flowers  few,  large,  nodding,  api^earing 
in  ]\Iay  and  June. 

Halfitat. — Bogs  and  wet  mcadoAvs  from  Pennsylvania  northward  and 
westward.     Commo)i  in  Europe  also. 

J\irtH  Uise.d. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets — not  official. 

Conxtituenti^. — This  jilant  has  not  been  analyzed,  but  it  is  believed  to 
possess  constituents  similar  to  those  of  Geian  urbanum,  a  closely  allied 
European  jilant,  which  contains  volatile  oil,  tannin,  and  a  bitter  principle. 

Preparations. — None  are  official.     Boiling  »ater  extracts  its  virtues. 

M'dical  Properties  and  Vse.^. — Water  avens  is  tonic  and  astringent.  It 
has  been  used  chielly  in  relaxation  of  the  mucous  membranes. 

rOTENTILL  A.  — CiNQUE-FoiL. 

Potentilla  Canadensis  Linne. —  Common  Cinque-Foil,  Five-Finger. 

I)e.<vrii)tton. — C.dyx  Hat,  deeply  5-cleft,  with  5  bractlets  alternating 
with  the  segments,  thus  appearing  10-cleft.  Corolla  :  petals  5,  longer  than 
the  calyx,  broadly  obovate  or  obcordate,  yellow.  Stamens  numerous. 
Achenia  numerous,  gathered  in  a  1  nd  on  a  dry  receptacle. 

A  small  annual  or  biennial,  with  decumbent,  prostrate,  or  creejoing  stems, 
producing  runners  in  summex'.     Leaves  u-foliate  ;  leaflets  obovate-wedge- 


KUmS — BRAMBLE.  141 

shaped,  cnt-toot1iP(l  at  tho  ajiex.  Flowers  solitary  on  lon<]f  axillary  pednn- 
clcH,  appearing  throurfliout  tho  snniinor. 

IJabiUU. — In  dry  soil  from  Canada  to  (icorgia  ;nid  -westward  ;  every- 
where coniraon. 

I'art  Used. — Tlu;  whole  plant — not  oificial. 

ConslUacnls. — Unknown. 

JWparations. — None  are  official  or  ooramoreial.  Usually  udministercil 
in  decoction  or  infusion. 

Medical  Pruper/ies  and  U.^es. — Cinque-foil  and  several  other  si)ecies  of 
the  genus  possess  mild  astringent  properties,  and  have  been  \ised,  chiefly 
in  domestic  i)ractice,  in  diarrho'a,  dysentery,  h'Ucorrha>a,  etc. 

RIJBUS.  -BRA^rnI.E. 


Character  of  the  flennH. — Calyx  5-parted,  without  hractlets.  Petals  .", 
deciduous.  Stamens  numerous,  inserted  into  th<!  border  of  i\\v  disk. 
Achenia  numerous,  pulj^ty  and  (h-ujiaceous,  aggTogated  upon  a  conical  or 
cylindrical  spongy  or  succulent  receptatde,  persistent  or  deciduous. 

Perennial  shrubby  or  suft'ruticose  plants,  with  erect  or  procumbent, 
mostly  prickly  and  l)ienniul  stems.  Leaves  pinnately  ov  pedately  com- 
pound, or  simple. 

Rubus  viliosus  Aitun.  —  Common  If Lg]i  Blackherrij. 

Description. — Calyx  :  teeth  linear-acuminate.  Corolla  :  petals  obovate- 
oblong,  spi'eading,  much  longer  than  the  calyx,  Avhite.  Fruit,  composed 
of  aggregated  drupes,  not  separating  from  the  succulent,  elongated  re(tep- 
taclc,  one-half  to  1  inch  lung,  one-fourth  to  one-half  inch  in  diameter,  blaid;, 
sweet,  and  juicy.  •» 

A  shrubby  perennial.  Stems  numerous,  1  to  (»  feet  high,  \ipright  or 
reclining,  furrowed,  armed  with  strong  recurved  i)rickles.  Leaves  3-foliato 
or  pedately  .'j-fohate  ;  leaflets  ovate  or  oblong-ovate,  mostly  acuminate, 
doubly  or  unequally  sei'rate,  tho  terminal  one  somewhat  cordate,  petio- 
late.  Flowers  racemose,  numerous,  appearing  in  3 Lay  and  June ;  the 
fruit  ripens  in  August  and  September. 

Jfahifat.  —Comiiioix  everywhere  along  the  borders  of  woods,  old  fences, 
and  in  clearings.  The  bushes  vary  greatly  in  size  and  general  iippearancc, 
according  to  the  circumstances  of  their  growth.  The  fruit  also  is  variable^ 
in  respect  of  size,  succulence,  and  flavor. 

Rubus  Canadensis  Ijinnc.-— Loir  Blackherry,  linnning  lUackhemi, 
l>eioherrij. 

Hcscriplion. — Calyx:  teeth  mucronate.  Coi-olla :  petals  twice  tho 
length  of  the  calyx,  white.  Fruit  similar  to  tho  preceding  but  shorter  and 
thicker,  the  individual  drupes  being  much  less  mnncrous  but  lai'ger. 

A  low,  trailing  shrubby  jilant.  Stems  at  first  ascending  but  ultimately 
trailing,    and  rooting   when  long  in  contact  with  the  earth,  less   prickly 


142  RO.SACE.E. 

than  the  preceding.  Leaves  3-foliate,  or  pedately  5-  to  7-foliate  ;  leaflets 
oval  or  ovate-laneeolato,  mostly  acuininato,  thin,  nearly  smooth,  sharjjly 
(;ut-.serrate.  Flowers  racemose,  appearing  in  May  ;  the  fruit  ripens  in  July 
and  August. 

llubUal. — Rocky  hills,  and  old,  neglected  fields.  "Widily  distributed, 
l)ut  much  less  common  than  the  preceding. 

Rubus  trivialis  Michaux. — Luic-JiKsk  Jllackbcrry. 

Dcticriplion. — Cdyx  :  teeth  retlexed.  Corolla  :  petals  hroadly  obovate, 
more  than  twice  the  length  of  the  cal^'x,  white.     Fruit  large. 

Stem  shrubby,  procumbent,  armed  with  bristles  and  prickles.  Leaves 
3-foliate  or  i)edately  ^-foliate,  evergreen,  coriaceous,  nearly  glabrous  ;  leaf- 
lets ovate-oblong  or  lanceolate,  sharply  serrate.  Peduncles  1-  to  3-flow- 
ered  ;  flowers  large,  appearing  in  March  ;  the  fruit  ripens  in  3Iay. 

Jlabilat. — In  sandy  s(nl  from  Virginia  to  Florida  and  westward. 

Rubus  strigosus  Michaux. — lied  L'asjjberry. 

Jh'.scription. — Cdyx  spreading.  Coi'oUa  :  petals  erect,  about  as  long  as 
the  calyx,  white.  Fruit  an  aggregation  of  drupes,  which  falls  from  th' 
sj)ongy,  conical  rece})tacle  at  maturity  ;  light  red,  sweet  and  juicy. 

Stems  biennial,  ujiright,  armed  with  still' bristles.  Leaves  3-  to  5-foliate  ; 
leaflets  oblong-ovate,  acuminate,  cut-serrate,  whitish-downy  imderneath. 
Peduncles  axillary  and  terminal ;  the  flowers  appear  from  June  forward, 
and  the  fruit  riiiens  throughout  the  sunuuer. 

Jlabilat. — Common  everywhere  aloui;'  the  borders  of  woods  and  in  old 
fields. 

Rubus  occidentalis  Liim^'. — lilach Rmpbcrry,  Thlmbleberry. 

Description. — Calyx  :  teeth  reflexed.  Corolla  :  i:)etals  shorter  than  the 
sepals,  white.  Fruit  similar  to  the  preceding,  but  composed  of  smaller 
drupes,  purple-black,  sweet  and  juic}-. 

Stems  biennial,  recurved,  armed  with  hooked  prickles.  Leaves  3-foli- 
ate, rarely  5-foliate  ;  leaflets  ovate,  acuminate,  doubly  serrate,  Avhitish- 
dowuy  underneath.  Flowers  in  axillary  and  terminal  clusters,  ai^ijearing 
in  May  ;  the  fruit  ripens  in  June  and  July. 

i7«/;i7«/.  — Common  along  old  fences  and  in  clearings  from  Canada  to 
Georgia  and  westward. 

l\irl!i  Uticd. — The  bark  of  the  root  of  It.  villosus,  It.  Canadensi-^,  and  It. 
trivialis: — official  name  :  Rubus — United  Slale.^  Pharmacopoeia.  The  fruit  of 
It.  strigosus  and  E.  occidenlalis  is  permitted  by  the  Pharmacopoeia  to  be  used 
instead  of  that  of  the  official  species.  It.  Id<mis  Linne. 

Con^lituentx. — Blackberry  root  contains  tannin  as  its  chief  and  most 
important  constituent. 

Paspberries  and  blackberries  are  among  the  most  important  of  indigen- 
ous small  fruits.  Though  possessed  of  no  strictly  medicinal  virtues,  the 
former  are  used  in  the  preparation  of  a  syrup  which  is  employed  as  a  pleas- 
ant vehicle. 


HYDRANGEA.  143 

Proparnlions. — Of  hlackhcrry  root :  Extr.aotnm  ml)i  fliiidum — fluid  ex- 
tract of  rulnis  ;  syrupiis  rubi — Kyruj)  of  rubiis.  Of  Ilubvis  Idauis  (or  It. 
.slrigofius  or  It.  vcculcn(alix) :  Syrupua  rubi  iduci — syrup  of  raspljerry. — 
United  Slalca  IViai'macojicsia. 

Medical  /Properties  and  Usei<. — Blackberry  in  used  as  n  mild  astringent 
chiefly  in  the  diarrluras  of  infants  and  young  children.  It  is  generally 
well  borne  by  the  stomach,  and  though  less  eflicicnt  than  many  other 
drugs  which  are  used  for  the  Hame  purposes,  may  often  be  employed  with 
excellent  results. 

Rispberries,  in  the  form  of  the  official  syrup,  are  used  only  as  a  vehicle. 

SAXIFRACACE/E. 

A  largo  order  of  herbs,  shrubs,  or  trees,  whoso  limits  are  not  alto- 
gether settled.  As  the  medicinal  species  of  tho  order  indigenous  to 
North  America  are  few  in  number  and  belong  to  diff"crent,  well-charac- 
tei'ized  sub-orders,  it  is  more  convenient  to  study  them  under  the  latter 
tlian  to  attemjit,  from  the  few  sjiecics  examined,  to  characterize  the  entire 
order. 

HYDRANGEA. 

CJiaracfer  of  th'i  Sah-Order. — Shrubs  or  trees,  with  opjiosite,  simple, 
exsti2)idate  leaves.  Flowers  in  cymes,  the  central  ones  complete,  the 
outer  ones  with  large  petals,  and  often  biu'ren.  Calyx  more  or  less  adher- 
ent to  the  ovary,  4-  to  fi-toothed.  Petals  4  to  G,  deciduous.  Stamens 
8  to  12,  in  two  rows,  or  numerous,  attached  to  tho  calyx.  Ovary  of  2  to  5 
cai'pels  united  ;  styles  2  to  5.  Fruit  a  many-seeded  capsule,  crowned  with 
the  persistent  L..yles. 

ITYDllAXGEA. 

Hydrangea  arborescens  Linne.-n'iW  Ilijdrangea. 

Z)esen)j<to».— Calyx-tube  hemisplie:ical,  8-  to  10-i'ibbed,  coherent  Avith 
the  ovary,  the  limb  4-  to  5-toothed.  Petals  ovate,  valvate  iu  the  bud. 
Stamens  8  to  10,  filiform.  Capsule  2-celled,  many-seeded,  crowned  with 
the  persistent  styles. 

A  shrub,  4  to  8  feet  high.  Leaves  3  to  G  inches  long,  ovate,  rarely  cord- 
ate, acuminate,  serrate,  green  both  sides.  Cymes  flat ;  the  marginal  flow- 
ers usually  sterile  and  radiant,  consisting  of  a  llat,  dilated,  and  colored 
calyx  ;  sometimes  all  fertile. 

Iluhilat. — Rocky  banks  from  New  Jersey  to  the  mountains  of  Georgia 
and  westward  to  Illinois. 

I^art  Used. — The  root — not  official. 

Gonalituenis. — Analysis  has  not  as  yet  yielded  any  results  which  throw 
light  upon  the  asserted  therapeutic  properties  of  this  plant.       • 


144  IIAMAMELACEif}. 

Proparalinnn. — None  are  official  A  fluid  extract  occurs  as  a  commoi'- 
(dal  article. 

Medical  J^'niwrlios  and  ^>'s. — Hydranrjeii  m  said  to  exert  a  sjiecific!  ac- 
tion upon  the  bladder  in  cidculons  atltectionH  in  their  earlier  Hta^ea,  eft'ect- 
inp;  the  removal  of  the  deposits  and  nioderatinf^  the  pain  incident  to  their 
paHsage — all  of  which  may  he  true,  but  further  evidence  is  desirable. 

SAXIFRA(iE/E. 

Character  of  the  Suh-(h'drr. — Herbs,  -with  alternate,  or  rarely  opposite, 
oxstipulate  leaves.  Calyx  4-  to  5-toothed.  I'etals  imbricated,  or  rarely 
(convoluted  in  the  bud,  deciduous  or  witherinf^-persistent.  Stamens  as 
many  or  twice  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the  calyx.  Ovaiy  more  or  less  ad- 
herent to  the  calyx-tube.     I'ruit  diy,  capsular,  or  follicular. 

IIEUCHER  A.  —  Ai.TTM-RooT. 

Heuchera  Americana  JAmxv.— Alum-Root. 

Description. — Calyx  b(!ll-shaped,  the  tube  adherent  at  the  base  to  the 
ovary,  5-clel't.  Corolla :  petals  5,  spatulate,  as  \o\\f^  as  the  lobes  of  the 
calyx,  purplish  or  white.  Stamens  5.  Styles  2,  slender.  Pod  1-celled, 
Avitli  2  parietid  placentie,  many-seeded,  2-beaked,  oiicning  between  the 
beaks. 

An  herbaceous  perennial.  Leaves  nearly  all  radical,  roundish-cordate, 
somewhat  7-  to  9-lobed  ;  the  lobes  short  and  rounded,  dentate-crenate,  with 
short  and  broad  mucronato  teeth.  Scapc^s  2  to  3  feet  high,  glandular,  and 
moi-o  or  less  hirsute  with  short  hairs,  rarely  with  one  or  two  small  leaves. 
Panicle  loose,  many-flowered,  the  flowers  appearing  in  May  and  Jiuie. 

Habitat.  — In  woods  and  rocky  places  from  Connecticut  to  Wisconsin 
and  southward. 

J'art  Used. — The  root— not  official. 

Constitaeuts. — Alum-root  confjiins  from  eighteen  to  twenty  per  cent,  of 
tannin. 

/'reparation. — None  are  official. — It  is  generally  employed  in  decoc- 
tion. 

Medical  Properties  and-  Uses. — Alum-root,  though  formerly  official,  is 
seldom  employed  except  as  a  domestic  remedy.  It  is  chieliy  used,  in 
decoction,  as  a  topical  astringent  in  sore  throat,  leucorrhrea,  menorrhagia, 
etc.     Other  species  of  heuchera  possess  similar  properties. 

HAMAMELACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Shrubs  or  trees,  with  alternate  simple  leaves 
and  deciduous  stipules.  Flowers  in  heads  or  spikes,  often  jiolygamoiis  or 
monoecious.     Calyx  adherent  to  the  base  of  the  ovary.     Petals  narrow, 


IIAMAMIOLIS — WITCH-IIA/.KL. 


14; 


;> 


valviitc  or  involute  in  tlio  bud,  inserted  upon  the  calyx  ;  bomctinu'.s  want- 
ing. Stunioutt  twic(!  lis  many  hh  the  iietiiln,  the  iilteniate  ones  sterile  ;  soiao- 
tiines  numerous.  Ovary  2-eelled,  each  cell  l-ovuled.  J'Vuit  a  2-celled,  2- 
hcaked,  woody  pod,  each  cell  containing  a  single  bony  seed. 

The  fertile  flowers  of  Liquidambar  consist  of  numerous  coherent  2- 
celled,  many-ovulcd  ovaries. 

IIAMAMELIS.— Win  ii-ITa/.ki,. 

Hamamelis  Virginica  Ijumv.—  U'iiih-ffazti. 

Description. — Calyx  4-parted,  with  2  or  IJ  bractlets  nt  the  base.  Co- 
rolla :  petals  4,  long  and  narrow,  strap-shaped,  sinrally  involute  in  the 
bud,  and  considerably  contorted  when  expanded,  yellow.     Stamens  tS,  tlie 


Fio.  127.  — Ilamamclis  Vlrpinica. 


four  alternate  ones  imperfect  and  scale-like.  Ovai'y  of  2  pistils  united  at 
the  base  ;  styles  short.  Pod  opening  loculicidnlly  from  the  top,  the  outer 
coat  separating  from  the  inner,  which  encloses  the  single  large,  bony  seed 
in  each"  cell,  but  soon  bursts  elastically  into  two  pieces. 

A  large  shrub,  8  to  12  feet  high,  with  flexuous  branches.  Leaves  al- 
ternate, on  shoi't  petioles,  obovate  or  oval,  repandly  sinuate-crenate,  Tin- 
equal  or  obli([uely  sub-cordate  at  the  base,  scabrous  witli  minute  elevated 
spots  beneath.  The  flowers  are  in  nxillary  clusters,  appearing  from  Sep- 
tember until  late  in  the  fall,  the  fruit  maturing  the  next  year. 

Habitat. — Li  moist  woods  from  Canada  to  Florida  and  westward  ;  veiy 

common. 

10 


146  llAMAiMKLACEiE. 

Paris  FsPtL — Tho  loaves,  nnd  tlio  bark  of  the  young  branclica  Tlio 
Unitcid  Stales  I imnimcoiHiiii  dirocts  tliat  tlio  loaves  collected  in  antuinn 
ulono  bo  useil.  In  the  opinion  of  tho  author  tliis  is  a  nnstake,  for  from 
personal  experience  ho  beliovea  tho  bark  of  tho  young  branches  to  be  more 
ellicient. 

('(iiisliliicn/!':  Chemieal  analysis  has  as  yet  thrown  little  light  upon  tho 
thorapouti<' activity  of  witch-ha/cl.  Tho  only  constituent  lluis  far  discovered 
of  known  elliicacy  is  tannin,  which  was  found  in  the  bark  in  the  proporiion 
of  8.10  per  cent. 

./'rcpinyttions. — Extractuni  hamanielidislluiduiu — fliiid  extract  of  hania- 
raelia.—  Cnited  States  J'hurmacopwia.  A  so-called  extract  of  witch-hazel, 
said  to  be  prepared  by  distillation,  is  largely  \ised  as  a  popidar  remedy.  A 
saturated  tincture  of  the  l)ark  lias  yielded  tho  author  more  satisfactory  re- 
sults than  any  otlier  pi-eparation  ho  has  emi)loyed. 

Medical  J'l'operlias  and  C'sck. — Hamanuilis  until  recently  has  been  little 
employed  except  by  honuoopathic  practitioners  and  by  the  laity.  That  it 
possesses  therapeutic  activity  will  be  doubted  by  few  who  have  employed 
it  carefully  and  intelligenlly  ;  and  that  its  acitivity  is  greater  than  can  bo 
reasonably  attributed  to  tlio  percentage  of  tannin  it  contains  will  bo  con- 
ceded by  most  unprejuilit'cid  observers.  As  stated  by  Dr.  Pii'l'ard  :  " '  Tho 
sphere  of  action  of  hamamelis  is  mainly  confined  to  tho  vascular  system  and 
to  the  venous  rather  than  the  arterial  ;  in  fact,  its  influence  on  tho  former 
is  as  decided  as  that  of  aconite  on  the  latter.  There  is  no  evidence,  how- 
ever, to  show  that  it  in  any  way  intluences  vessels  of  the  viscera,  but,  so 
far  as  yet  known,  limits  its  eftects  to  vessels  distributed  to  the  skin  and 
mucous  membranes.  It  covers  a  portion  only  of  the  ground  occupied  by 
ergot  in  this  respect,  but  within  its  own  proper  field  it  does  not  yield  to 
this  latter  in  etftcacy."  ' 

It  is  employed  internally  in  hcmoiThago  from  the  lung.s,  bowels,  uterus, 
etc.,  and  topically  in  hemorrhoids  ami  varicose  veins,  bruises,  sprains,  etc. 

LIQUIDAMBAIi.— Sweet  Gum  Tree. 

Liquidambar  Styraciflua  Linne. — Sweet  Gum  Tree. 

I'>es<ri2>f'on. — Flowers  usually  monoocious  ;  sterile  without  calyx  or  co- 
rolla, arranged  in  a  conical  cluster,  stamens  numerous  ;  fertile,  also  nal  ed, 
consisting  of  numerous  2-celled  ovaries  collected  in  a  globular  head.  Fruit 
a  spherical,  woody  head,  made  up  of  tho  cohering  ovaries,  each  of  whose 
cells  opens  at  maturity  between  its  two  beaks.  Ovules  in  each  cell  nu- 
merous, but  only  one  or  two  of  them  perfecting. 

A  large,  beautiful  tree  ;  stem  straight,  freely  brancihod  above,  with  a 
gray,  corrugated  bark,  that  of  the  young  branches,  especially  in  young 


'  Materia  Medica  and  Therapeutics,  p.  212.     By  Charles  D.  F.  Phillips,  edited  by 
n.  G.  riffard.     New  Yirk,  1879. 


LKiUIDAMIlAU — SWKKT   GUM    TIIKi:. 


14' 


treeH,  with  elevated  corky  ritlf:fPH.  Leaves  roumlod  in  f^'oneral  outline, 
deeply  5-  to  T-lobed,  Hinootli  and  Hhininf,',  j^'lundular-sciTntc,  the  lobes 
pointed.     They  become  deep  criiiison  in  autumn,  and  thus  give  the  tree  a 


Fia.  128.— lilquiJambnr  Rtyraciflun. 

strikingly  beautiful  appearance.  The  flowers  are  produced  in  Ajiril,  tlio 
fruit  maturing  in  autunui  and  ])ersisting  upon  tli(;  tree  until  late  in  the 
season. 

AVhen  wounded  the  bark  exudes  a  sweetish,  resinous  gum  resembling 
storax,  and  possessing  similar  pi'operties.  Storax  itself  is  produced  by  an 
exotic  species  of  the  same  genus,  Liquidamhar  orioi/nlis  Miller. 

Habitat. — In  moist  woods  from  Connecticut  to  Illinois  and  southward. 

]\irt  Used. — Tlie  gum — not  ofHc-ial. 

CouKtitnnit.^. — Sweet  gum,  as  it  exudes,  is  a 
thick  lifpiid  of  a  syrupy  consistence,  but  hardens 
upon  exposure  and  finally  becomes  solid.  It  has 
a  pleasant  balsamic  odor  and  a  sweetish,  bal- 
samic taste,  followed  by  a  sensation  of  pungency. 
It  contains  cinnamic  arid,  .''ti/rnci)!,  and  an  aro- 
matic oily  hydro-carbon  having  the  properties  of 
H]irol.  These  are  the  essential  constituents  of 
storax  also. 

Preparation^^. — None  ai'e  official.  A  syrup  of 
sweet  gum,  prepared  according  to  the  official 
formula  for  syrup  of  tolu,  is  said  to  be  an  eligi- 
ble preparation. 

Medical  Propertie.'i  and  Uses. — Like  storax,  sweet  gum  is  used  chiefly  in 
catarrhal  aft'cctions,  especially  those  of  the  respiratory  and  urinary  raucous 


Fig.  129.- 


Liniiiciiimbur  Styriicifliia 
(Truit). 


146  ()Naokacj:j:. 

membmnes,  hh  clmdiii^  bronchitis,  cystitiH,  pyelitiH,  <,'()norrlif)nn,  and  plcct. 
J'iXtorrmlly,  in  tin;  l'(»nii  of  jni  ointinciit,  it  lui.s  boon  oniployod  HUccobHfully 
in  bctibioa,  buriiM,  iroht-bitcs,  uikI  in<lulent  iilcorn. 


ONACRACEyE. 

Chnroi'/cr  (if  llir  Order. — ^■Hcil)s,  witli  nin^plo  leaves  ami  commonly  4- 
iiiorouH  llowcrH.  Culyx  tubnliu',  cohorinfj^  with  tlio  2-  to  4-(!olk(l  oviiry,  the 
limb  nsufiUy  4-cloi't,  its  loboH  valviit*!  in  the  bud.  Potjils  convoluto  in 
the  bud,  ()c:c:isionally  \viintin<j;.  Stiimcns  iis  many,  or  t\vi(!o  iis  many,  us 
the  lobos  of  the  calyx,  and  inserted  uj^jon  tlio  calyx-tube.  Style  single. 
Fruit  succulent  or  capsular. 

An  or(hr  rcjM'csontod  in  North  Aniorica  by  fifteen  j^enera  and  one  hun- 
dred and  forty-five  species,  mostly  unimjiortant  plants. 

EPILOBIUM. --Willow  Heub. 

Epilobium  angustifolium  Linnc. —  (,'rcat  Willoio  Herb. 

DeHcrlptioa. — Calyx-tube  not  prolonged  beyond  the  ovary,  the  limb  4- 
cleft,  deciduous.  Corolla :  petals  4,  obovate,  unj^aiiculate,  pink-purple. 
Stamens  H.  Capsule  linear,  4-sided,  4-celled,  4-valved,  many-seeded,  the 
seeds  with  a  tuft  of  long  hairs  at  the  end. 

An  herbaceous  pcremiial.  Stem  erect,  4  to  7  feet  high,  simple,  mostly 
glabrous.  Leaves  sessile,  lanceolate,  nearly  entire,  or  with  slightly  uu(hi- 
late  margins.  Flowers  large  and  showy,  in  a  long  spicate  raceme,  ajipear- 
ing  from  July  till  September. 

llubllal. — From  the  mountains  of  North  Carolina  northward  and  west- 
ward.    Very  common  from  I'ennsylvania  and  New  York  northward, 

J 'arts  Uncd. — The  leaves  and  root — not  oliicial, 

Constiluents. — Unknown. 

I^i'eparatioHH. — There  are  none.  The  plant  is  said  to  yield  its  virtues 
to  water  or  alcohol. 

Medical  Propertifs  and  Vi^ea. — Willow  herb  is  said  to  be  "  tonic,  astrin- 
gent, demulcent,  and  emollient.  An  infusion  of  the  leaves  will  be  found 
beneficial  in  chronic  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  leucorrhooa,  menorrhagia,  and 
uterine  hemorrhage,  and  forms  an  excellent  loc:d  ajjplication  for  ophthal- 
mia, ulcerations  of  the  mcmth  aftd  throat,  and  leucorrhcea.  The  leaves  in 
poultice  are  a  valuable  remedy  for  foul  and  indolent  ulcers "  (King).  If 
the  plant  be  really  so  valuable  ns  tlie  above  statement  would  indicate,  it  is 
rather  remarkable  tliat  its  virtues  are  not  better  known  and  ajipreciated. 

Several  other  indigenous  species  of  ejiilobium  have  been  used  medic- 
inally, but  without  acquiring  any  reputation.         „.,„.  .,4 


(KNOTUKUA KVKNIN(>    IMlIMItOSK.  Hi) 


(ENOTHEUA.— EvKNiNci  ruiMHOSE. 

(Enothera  biennis  Liniu'. — Eccinurj  Primroxc 

I h'ai'nitliiin. — (Juh  x-tuhc  prolorif^ctl  bcyoiul  tlio  oviirv,  (IccidiiouH,  tlift 
liiiil)  i-crlcrt,  the  lobes  reilexcd.  Coiollii  :  jxtiils  1,  obcurihitc,  liglit  yclluw. 
Stiiiiu'MH  8.     CiipHuloH  oblouf,'.  4-viilv(j(l,  niiuiy-set'iU'd. 

All  iiiiiui.il  itr  bu'imiiil  hcrl).  Stiiiii  erect,  commonly  Imiry,  1  to  H 
foet  liij^h.  Leaves  oviite-laiuM'olate,  uciito,  obscurely  toothed.  Flowers  in 
11  teriniiiiil  spike  ;  I  hey  expand  late  ill  the  afternoon  or  in  the;  eveniiifjf  and 
wither  next  day.  Th(>  2)laiit  oivairs  in  niiinerous  varieties,  ditVerin^'  in  re- 
Hi)eet  to  size  of  llowers,  etc. 

Habitat. — III  fields,  ^vasto  places,  along  fences  and  roadsides  ;  common 
everywhere. 

J*nrt)i  Uacd. — The  baric,  leaves,  and  the  young  branches — not  oiKcial. 

('()iiditiicntr<.  —Unknown. 

Prepartil.Kin.^, — A  decoction  has  be<;n  reconiniended. 

Mi'diral  /'roperlicH  and  I'fics. — Dr.  (irillith  recommends  tho  decoction 
as  a  local  application  "in  infantile  eruptions,"  of  Avliat  character,  however, 
he  does  not  state.     Its  virtu(>s,  if  it  have  any,  are  yet  to  be  ascertained. 

UMBELLIFER/E. 

Character  I >f  the  Onlrr. — Herbs,  with  alternate,  mostly  compound  leaves, 
and  flowers  in  umbels.  Calyx  wholly  adherent  to  the  ovaiw  ;  limb  obso- 
lete or  minutely  5-toothed.  Petals  5,  small,  imbricate  in  tho  bud,  or  vul- 
vate,  with  tho  point  iiiflexed,  inserted,  together  with  the  5  stamens,  upon 
tho  disk  which  crowns  tho  ovary.  Ovary  2-c(!lled,  each  cell  1-oviiled  ; 
styles  2.  Fruit  coniposod  of  2  soed-liko  cjirpels,  which  during  develop- 
ment are  closely  adherent  to  each  other,  but  at  maturity  separate  and  an; 
usually  susi)endcd  from  the  summit  of  a  prolongation  of  the  axis.  Each 
carpel,  commonly  though  erroneously  denominated  a  seed,  is  marked  lon- 
gitudinally by  5  primary  and  5  alternate  secondary  ridges,  betwo<'n  which 
are  minute  tubes,  called  vdlir,  containing  essential  oil.  Seed  jM'opcr  sus- 
l)ended  from  the  summit  of  tho  cell,  with  a  minuto  embryo  in  hard  albu- 
nieii.  Stems  usually  hollow.  Leaves  with  dilated  or  clasping  petioles. 
Umbels  generally  compound,  the  seco'ndary  ones  being  termed  umbellets. 

A  very  large  and  well-characteinzed  order,  comprising  many  species 
of  medicinal  or  economic  importance.  Many  of  them  jiossess  agreeable 
aromatic  properties  ;  many  others,  on  tho  other  hand,  are  actively  poison- 
ous. In  general  the  poisonous  meml)ers  of  the  order  grow  in  wet  places, 
so  that  an  umbellate  plant  found  in  such  a  situation  should  bo  viewed 
with  suspicion  until  its  character  has  been  ascertained.  The  flowers  of  all 
l)lants  of  tlu!  order  bear  a  close  similarity  to  each  other,  and  are  therefore 


150  UMBELLIFER^. 

of  little  use  in  doteruiining  the  genera,  -which  must  ho  studied  by  the 
fruits,  loaves,  etc. 

The  (H-dor  is  represented  in  North  America  by  forty-five  genera  com- 
prising one  hundred  and  sixty-eiglit  species,  few  of  which  are  of  medicinal 
importance. 

• 

SANICULA.— Sanui.k. 

Sanicula  Marilandica  Linno. — Sanidc,  Iliad:  Smkoroot. 

Ih'^vriptioii. — Calyx-teeth  persistent.  Petals  obovate,  erect,  connivcnt, 
with  a  long  inllexed  point,  greenish  or  yellowish.  Styles  elongate- 1  and 
conspicuous,  recurved.  Fruit  globular,  the  cari:)els  not  separating  at  ma- 
turity, without  ribs,  thickly  set  'th  hooked  prickles,  and  having  each  5 
oil-tubes. 

A  perennial  herb,  2  to  3  feet  high.  Leaves  digitately  5-  to  7-parted,  the 
segments  incisely  and  nuicronately  serrate,  the  radical  ones  long-petioled. 
Umbels  iri-egidur  or  compound,  tlie  llowers  capitate  in  tlie  und)ellets,  most 
of  them  perfect  but  with  many  staminate  ones  intermingled,  the  latter  on 
slender  pedicels.     Fruits  several  in  each  umbellet. 

JIahifat. — "^^'oods  and  copses,  Canada  to  Carolina  and  westward  ;  every- 
where common. 

I'art  Usrd. — The  root — not  official. 

Const  ituoits. — Un  known. 

T'rcparafions. — It  is  administered  in  powder  or  decoction. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uae.^. — Perhap"  it  would  be  Avell  to  state  that 
the  medical  properties  of  sanicde,  if  it  have  any,  are,  like  its  constituents, 
uidvuown,  thouj'h  various  and  contradictoiy  properties  have  been  ascribed 
to  it  ;  as,  for  instance,  that  it  is  nervine,  anodyne,  and  astringent,  and  tluit 
it  h.as  been  used  with  advantage  in  intermittent  fever,  sore  thiv^at,  cynanche 
ti'achealis,  erysipelas,  some  &kin  diseases,  chorea,  gonorrhoea,  dysentery, 
passive  liemorrhages,  and  leucorrhcea,  Until  further  evidence  be  adduced 
in  its  favor,  one  may  reasonably  remain  skeptical  regarding  its  virtues. 

ERYXGIU;  i .— EiivNGO. 

Eryngium  yucccefolium  Miclinxix.—Jlattlesnak'c's  jMaster,  Button 
Snakerodt. 

D'  script ii i».  —  Calyx-teeth  persistent.  Petals  oonnivent,  ol )long-obovate, 
emirgiuate,  a  itli  a  very  h  g  inllexed  point.  Styles  filiform.  Carp'ds 
semi-tere^^a  without  ^ lbs  or  oil-tubes. 

A  perennia'  herb,  1  to  G  feet  high.  Leaves  broadly  linear,  w^'th 
strai,  ht,  simplo  parade!  veins,  remotely  cill.  ^e  with  soft  spines.  Flowers 
sessile,  in  dorse  globose  or  cylindi'ical  heads,  appearing  in  -Tuly  or  August. 

Habitat. — Dry  or  damp  pine  barrens  or  prairies  from  New  Jersey  to 
Wisconsin  and  southwf'd. 


DAUCUS — CARllOT. 


151 


Pari  Ui^ed. — The  root — not  official. 

ConslUuenls. — Unknown. 

J 'reparations. — Administered  in  decoction. 

Med'''nl  Properties  and  Uses. — Button  snakeroot  is  one  of  the  ijumerous 
plants  reputed  to  cure  the  bite  of  the  rattlesnake.  It  is  diaphoretic,  di- 
uretic, expectorant,  and  in  large  doses  emetic. 

Other  indigenous  species  of  this  genns  probably  possess  similar  prop- 
erties. 

DATJCUS.— Cauuot. 

Daucus  Carota  Linne. — Garrut. 

Description. — Calyx  5-toothjd.  Corolla,  petals  obovate,  emarginato 
with  an  iullexed  point,  the  exterior  ones  larger  than  the  others,  deeply  2- 


Fm.  1"0  — Danons  Ciirotn. 

cleft  Fruit  ovate  or  oblong  ;  the  carpels  nitL  5  primray  slender  bristly 
ribs,  of  wb'  h.  lU'ee  ave  on  the  back  and  two  on  the  flattened  surface,  and 
4  secondary  ribs,  each  with  a  single  row  of  bristles,  and  uuderjieath  it  an 
oil-tube. 


152  UMBELLIFEILE. 

A  biennial  lierb,  witli  a  fusiform  root.  Loavos  2-  to  ,1-pinnato,  or  pin- 
luitely  dividcil.  Uiii])els  concave,  with  an  involucre  of  severul  trilitl  or 
pinnatitid  leaflets.  Flowers  white  or  cream-colored,  the  central  one  of 
each  umbellet  abortive  and  dark  purpls  ;  they  are  produced  throughout 
the  summer. 

Ifuhitat. — A  native  of  the  Eastern  continent  but  naturalized  throughout 
the  United  States,  an<l  in  many  places  lias  become  a  vei-y  troublesome 
weed.  The  cultivated  varieties  produce  large  fleshy  roots  of  great  eco- 
uomic  value. 

I'(>.rl  Used. — The  fruit — not  officdal. 

ConHiUaenta. — Carrot  fruit  contains  a  small  percentage  of  aromatic  vol- 
atile oil,  to  which  it  owes  its  medicinal  activity. 

J'rcixiralions, — It  is  commonly  administered  in  powder. 

Medical  rroperUes  and  Cf^ct-: — Carrot  fruit  is  stimidant,  diuretic,  and 
somewhat  aromatic.  Like  many  other  remedies  of  similar  proi)erties,  it 
has  been  used  to  stimulate  menstruation  and  for  the  relief  of  strangury. 
The  root  of  the  cultivated  plant  boiled  and  reduced  to  a  pulp  forms  an  ad- 
mirable poultice. 

IIERACLEUM.— Cow-PAKSNir. 

Heracleum  lanatum  Michnnx. — Jl[at<tcru'orf,  Coic-Parsnip. 

J)r>'cripli()}i. — Calyx-teeth  minute  or  obsoh.-te.  Corolla  :  petals  obcor- 
date  with  an  inflexed  point,  those  of  the  outer  flowers  often  larger  and 
radiant,  appearing  deeply  2-cleft.  Fruit  compressed  on  the  back,  with  a 
broad  flat  margin  ;  ribs,  :{  dorsal  and  (([ui-distant,  2  lateral  near  (he  di- 
lated margin  ;  oil-tubes  shorter  than  the  fruit,  1  in  each  iijier\al  a'  lisu- 
ally  2  in  the  commissure. 

A  large  pei'ennial  herb.  Stem  4  to  8  f(>et  high.  Leaves  hii>.(.,  ti'^'nately 
divided,  the  segments  4  to  10  inches  in  diameter,  unequally  Irued,  the 
loues  acuminate,  nearly  glabrous  above,  pubescent  beneath.  Umbels 
widely  spreading,  (5  to  10  inches  or  more  in  diameter  ;  involucre  of  0  to  10 
oblong-lanceolate,  caducous  leaflets.     Flov^ers  white,  appearing  in  June. 

IlubilaL — In  rich  wet  ground  from  Labrador  to  Pennsylvania  and  west- 
ward. 

Vmi  Used. — The  root — not  official. 

(Joriditucnls. — Unknown. 

Preparalions. — Used  in  infusion. 

Mcduvl  Properlies  and  Vsru. — "When  fresh,  the  leaves  or  root  placed  in 
contact  with  the  skin  cause  irritation  and  inflammation..  The  root  is  said 
to  be  stinnilant,  antispasmodic,  and  carminative.  Though  recommended  in 
epilepsy  and  a  variety  of  other  nervous  disorders,  little  is  known  of  its  efti- 
cacy.  That  it  is  active,  even  poisonous,  seems  well  established,  but  its 
therapeutic  uses  are  yet  to  be  ascertained.  -   ^ 


CICUTA WATEIMIEMLOCK.  15.'} 


ARCHANGELICA. 

Archangelica  atropurpurea  Hoffiiinn. — Great  Angelica. 

Dexcrijjiion. — Calyx- toetli  short.  Corolla:  petals  olliptical,  entire,  with 
an  inflexed  i)oint.  Fruit  somewhat  dorsally  coiiipi'essod,  Knio(>th  ;  earpols 
■with  ii  rather  thiek  earinatcd  dorsal  ribs,  and  with  lateral  ribs  dilated  into 
marginal  wings  ;  seed  becoming  loose  in  the  pericarp,  and  having  numer- 
ous oil-tubes  which  adhere  to  its  surface. 

A  large  perennial  herb.  Stem  4  to  0  feet  high,  smooth,  striate-snloate, 
dark  pui'i^le.  Leaves  usually  with  large  inflated  petioles,  3-parted,  the 
divisions  bipinnateh'  divided  ;  segments  of  the  secondary  divisions  ft  to 
7,  shar])ly  cut-serrtite,  acute.  L'nd)els  somewhat  globose  after  flowering, 
(5  to  8  inches  in  diameter  ;  flowers  greenish-white,  appearing  in  May  and 
June. 

Hahilal-  -Low  river  banks,  Peinisylvania  to  Wisconsin  and  northward. 

J'art  Used. — The  root — not  olHcial. 

Confitifncnl.'^. — Unknown,  but  probably  similar  to  tliose  of  Eui'ojjean  an- 
gelica, namely,  a  volatile  oil,  a  somewhat  acrid  resin  termed  (iiiydiciii,  aud 
eonnnou  vegetable  principles. 

Preparations. — None  are  ofHcial.  The  drug  is  administered  in  powder 
or  infusion. 

j\le(iic(d  /'rapcrtie.^  ana  Uses. — Angelica  is  aromatic,  stimulant,  diapho- 
"ctic,  and  in  large  doses  emetic.  It  has  been  empk)yed  with  benefit  in 
(ihronic  bronchitis,  chronic  rheumatism  and  gout,  intermittent  fevei",  etc. 
Like  many  other  remedies  of  similar  properties,  it  is  used  in  domestic 
practice  to  promote  the  menstrual  discharge. 

CICUTA.— Wati:u-IIi:.m].ock. 

Cicuta  maculata  Linne. — American  Waler-IIe.mlock,  Spotted  Cow- 
f)ane,  .irnsqnasli  Hoot. 

Description. — Calyx-teeth  minute.  Corolla  :  petals  obovate  with  in- 
flexed  points,  Avhite.  Fruit,  sub-gloliose,  laterally  contracted  ;  cai-jjels  wiili 
;■)  flatfish,  strong  ribs,  the  int(n'vals  each  with  an  oil-tube. 

A  stout  perennial  herb,  with  tuberous  roots.  Stem  1  to  H  feet  high, 
finely  striate  Avith  green  and  piu'ple,  and  sometimes  spotted.  Leaves 
thrice  pinnately  or  tcniately  compound,  the  lower  oiu  s  on  long  petioles  ; 
leaflets  lanceolate  or  oblong,  serrate,  acuminate,  with  veins  appearing  to  ter- 
minate in  the  notches  ;  close  observation,  however,  shows  that  they  are  con- 
tinued along  one  side  to  the  points  of  the  teeth.  Umbels  without  an  invo- 
lucre or  with  one  of  1  or  2  leaflets.  The  flowers  are  produced  in  July  aud 
August. 

Habitat.  — In  swamps  and  wet  places  ;  common  everywhere. 


154 


UiMBKLLIFElJyE. 


Water-licmlock,  thougli  an  energetic  poison,  is  not  used  mctliciually. 
It  is  introduced  liere  niorely  that  it  nux}'  be  distinguished  from  Conium 
viacidutum,  described  behow,  for  the  two  are  not  infrequently  confounded 
by  the  superticial  observer. 


CONIUM.— Poison  IlEMiiOCK. 

Conium  maculatum  Linnc. — Poison  Hemlock. 

JJcscriplioii. — Calyx-teeth  obsolete.  Corolla  :  petals  obcordatc,  with  a 
short  inflexed  point,  white.  Fruit  ovate,  laterally  comi^ressed  ;  carj^els 
•with  5  prominent,  wavy  ribs,  the  intervals  Avithout  oil-tubes  ;  seed  gi'ooved 
on  its  face. 

A  biennial  herb,  with  a  fusiform  root.  Stem  2  to  5  feet  high,  round, 
branched,  glabrous,  often  spotted  Avitli  purple.      Leaves   decompound  ; 

ultimate  segments  ovate  or  lan- 
ceolate, deeply  cut.  Umbels  ter- 
minal, not  large  for  the  size  of 
the  plant ;  involucre  and  involu- 
cels  ;5-  to  5-leaved,  the  latter  uni- 
lateral. The  flowers  appear  in 
July. 

Iluhilat. — Conium  is  indige- 
nous to  Europe  and  Asin,  but  has 
hecome  naturalized  here  and  if? 
common  in  waste  places  in  the 
Northern  and  Middle  States. 

Part  U><('.d.—1\w.  fruit,  gath- 
ered Avhile  yet  green  —  United 
Slates  Pharniaropicin.  The  juice 
of  the  fresh  plant — SuecH.^co)iii — 
was  formerly  oflicial,  but  has 
been  dropped  because  of  its  un- 
reliability. The  leaves  are  also 
eilicient,  though  no  longer  of- 
ficial. 

(Jonstituenlt. — The  most  im- 
portant constituent  of  coniun.  '>* 
the  alkaloid  conia.  This  is  a  vo- 
latile, colorless,  inflammable,  oily 
liquid,  specific  gravity  0.88,  having  a  strong  alkaline  reaction  and  a  dis- 
agreeable, tobacco-like  odor,  resend)ling  that  of  the  fresh  plant.  The 
therapeutic  virtues  of  conium  reside  in  conia,  its  other  constituents  being 
unimportant. 

iVc;para<ions. —Abstractum  couii— abstract  of  conium  ;  extractum  couii 


Fig.  131. — Cotiiuni  nmculatnn;;. 


AllALIA,  1 


no 


aleoliolicu'.n — alcoholic!  extract  of  couium  ;  cxtractum  conii  fluidum — tluid 
extract  of  conium  ;  tiuctura  coiiii — tiucture  of  couium. — United  Slulc^i 
Pharmacopam. 

Mcdival  ProiM'.rties  and  Uses. — The  literature  of  few  drugs  is  more  lui- 
satisfactory  than  that  of  coniura,  cliiellj  because  iueificieut  or  wholly  inert 
preparations  have  been  so  largely  employed.  The  active  principl(>  is  }iot 
only  volatile,  l)ut  also  subject  to  cliemical  decomi){)sition  ;  honest*  tlie  li'aves 
and  fruit  rapidly  deteriorate  Avheu  carelessly  preserved,  and  hence,  also, 
preparations  are  not  infrequent!}'  either  spoiled  during  the  i)rocess  of 
manufacture  or  ruined  by  want  of  care  in  keeping.  From  these  causes 
have  resulted  many  of  tlie  conflicting  statements  regarding  the  therapeutic 
activity  of  the  drug.  Those  oljservcrs  who,  reasoning  fi'om  the  physiolog- 
ical action  of  conium,  have  deduced  the  indicriions  for  its  use  as  a  remedy, 
mainly  agree  in  recommending  it  in  cases  of  undue  muscular  excitement, 
as  in  acute  mania  and  chorea,  where  it  is  desirable  to  lessen  the  wear  of 
the  system,  and  in  diseases  of  a  spasmodic  character,  as  asthma,  Avhooping- 
cough,  laryngismus  strididus,  and  tetanus.  This  deduction  is  exceedingly 
jjlausible,  since  conium  exerts  its  most  decided  effects  iipon  the  motor 
nerves,  and  probably  has  no  direct  action  upon  the  sensory  lilamenls.  IJut 
those  observers  who  have  rested  their  ojiinions  upon  clinical  experience 
rather  than  theoretical  deductions,  assert  quite  as  positively  that  conium 
exerts  an  alterant  and  deobstruent  influence  upon  a  variety  of  glandular 
enlargements  and  tumors,  and  that  it  is  capable  of  relieving  the  pains 
of  cancer  and  those  of  other  painful  ailections.  Willi  gi-eater  care  in  the 
selection  of  efHcient  r  reparations,  these  differences  of  oinniou  will  proba))ly 
grow  rapidly  less,  and  soon  the  true  place  of  the  drug  will  be  found. 

ARALIACEiC. 

Character  of  tlw  Order. — Herbs,  shrubs,  or  trees,  having  the  general 
characteristics  of  the  Umbelliferie,  but  differing  in  respect  to  the  fruit, 
wliich  always  consists  of  more  than  two  carpels  and  is  in  the  form  of  a 
drupe.  Tiie  order  is  represented  in  North  America  by  two  genera,  name- 
ly, Aralia  and  Fat.sia,  the  former  comprising  medicinal  species. 

ARALIA. 

Character  of  tlic  Genus. — Calyx-tube  adherent  to  the  ovary,  the  limb 
5-toothed,  or  entire  and  almost  obsolete.  Corolla  :  petals  o,  inserted  on 
tlie  margin  of  the  epigynous  disk.  Stamens  5,  alternating  with  the  petals, 
jpigynous.  Stylos  2- to  o,  mostly  distinct,  or,  in  the  sterile  flowers,  slio?'t 
and  united.  Ovary  2- to  5-celled,  with  a  single  pendulous  ovide  in  each 
cell.     Fruit  a  drupe,  with  as  many  seeds  as  there  are  cells  in  the  ovary. 

H(!rbs,  shrubs,  or  trees,  with  compound  or  decompound  leaves.  Flow- 
era  more  or  less  polygamous,  white  or  greenish,  in  umbels. 


15()  AUALlACEvK. 

The  genns  comprises  two  svib-genora,  Araliu  proper  niul  Ginseiir>; 
{I'ana.v  Lima'). 

Avidia. — Flowers  monfjDciously  polygaiuous  or  perfect.  Styles  and 
(u)lls  of  the  ovary  5.     Fruit  black  or  dark  ijurj)!*'. 

Aralia  spinosa  Liimc. — Anydica  Tree,  Ikrciiles  Club. 

DeHcrijdion. — A  shrub  or  low  tree.  Stem  and  ^letiolcs  jirickl}'.  Leaves 
bipinnafely  compound  ;  loatlets  ovate,  Herrate,  acuminate,  glabrous  above, 
glaucous  beneath.  Umbels  in  a  very  large,  much-branched  panicle. 
Flowers  white,  ajipearing  in  July  and  August. 

Ifahildl. — In  damp  woods  on  river-banks  from  Pennsylvania  to  Florida 
and  westward. 

Aralia  racemosa  'iimw.—Sp'drmiril. 

/h'scrip/ioii. — An  herbaceous  pei'ennial.  Stem  :>  to  .5  feet  high,  divari- 
cately braiiched.  Leaves  ternately  or  cpiiuately  decompound  ;  leaflets  cor- 
date-ovate, dfnibly  serrate,  acuminate,  slightly  imbescent.  Umbels  small 
and  numerous,  in  large  doubly  compound  racemose  panicles.  Flowers 
small,  greenish-\vhite,  appearing  in  July.  The  roots  are  large  and  fleshy, 
and  have,  as  well  as  the  whole  plant,  an  aromatic  but  not  altogether 
agreeable  odor. 

I/iihilaf. — In  rich  woods  from  Canada  to  Georgia  and  westward. 

Aralia  nudicaulis  Linne. — 117^/  SarHapariUa. 

Description. — An  herbaceous  perennial.  Hoot  or  rhizome  long,  jn-os- 
trate,  creeping  just  beneath  the  surface  of  the  ground.  Stem  very  short, 
hearing  a  single  long-stalked  leaf  and  a  shorter  scape.  Petiole  3-cleft, 
(Mcli  division  pinnafcly  5-foliate  ;  leaflets  oblong-ovat(\  or  oval,  serrate, 
acuminate.  Scape  with  2  to  7  umbels  of  greenish-white  flowers.  Fruit 
I)ui'plish-black.     The  flowers  appear  in  -May  and  June. 

IJahiUtL — Li  rich  moist  woods  from  Canada  to  the  inountains  of  the 
Southern  States. 

(Hii.-fciKj  [I'iiDii.i:  Linn/')-  -I'lowers  diiuciously  polygamous.  Styles  and 
cells  of  the  ovary  2  or  M.     Fruit  ixmI  or  reddish. 

Aralia  quinquefolia  Decaisne  and  Planchon — (Panax  quinqui'folium 
Linne). — Ginsen;/. 

De.icriijtion. — An  herbaceous  perennial.  Root  large  and  spindle-shaped. 
Stem  1  foot  high,  bearing  at  its  sunnnit  a  whorl  of  three  i)almately  15-  to  7- 
foliate  leaves  and  a  single  umbel  ;  leaflets  obovate-oblong,  acmninate. 
Peduncle  naked,  slender,  about  as  long  as  the  petioles  ;  flowers  yellowish- 
green,  ai)pearing  in  July. 

Ikihitat. — In  rich  upland  woods  from  Canada  to  the  moimtains  of  the 
Soutliern  States. 

Pin-t.-f  Vs-fcl. — Of  A  spinosa,  the  bark  ;  of  A.  racemosi,  A.  nudicaulis,  and 
A.  quinquefolia,  the  root.     None  of  the  plants  are  official. 

Co)if<tituents. — In  the  bark  of  A.  spinosa  have  been  found  two  acrid  res- 
ins, a  volatile  oil,  and  what  is  thought  to  be  an  uncrystallizable  alkaloid. 


All  A  LI  A. 


ir)7 


besiik's  coiuinon  vegetable  pnuciplea  The  ronstituenta  of  the  other  spe- 
cies iiro  unknown. 

PrcparaUouH. — Whatever  viriues  any  of  these  phmts  jiossess  are  yieltled 
to  boUing  water.  Fhiid  extracts  of  two  or  three  of  them  occur  as  commer- 
cial articles. 

Mcdlrid  Vropniics  and  Ukci^. — All  these  plants  possess,  to  a  ja^reater  or 
less  extent,  aromatic  and  .stimulant  properties,  and  probably  no  others, 
thoujjfh  many  diverse  virtues  have  been  attributed  to  them.  A.  spinosa 
is  apparently  the  most  active.  A.  nudicaulis,  as  its  common  name  {wild 
mrmpardla)  indicates,  was  formerly  supposed  to  partake  of  the  virtues  of 


Sh^^mi 


Via.  l.'!2 — Arnliii  quinfiuofolin. 


true  sarsaparilla,  but  as  the  latter  plant  is  at  present  little  esteemed,  the 
reputed  virtues  of  the  former  are  not  worthy  of  much  attention.  A.  (piin- 
quefolia  (ginncittj)  is  at  present  oniy  esteemed  by  the  Chinese,  who  consider 
it  a  panacea.  \ 

As  remarked  above,  all  these  plants  are  aromatic  and  stinudant. 
Given  iu  warm  infusicm  tliej'  are  capable  of  inducing"  dia])h()resis,  and  in 
this  manner  acting- bonelicially  in  certain  eases,  as  cln-onic  i-heuniatism  and 
various  cutaneous  eru})tions.  Doubtless  tlu^  manner  in  which  tlie  drug  is 
.'ulministered  has  quite  as  much  to  do  with  the  eti'ect  produced  as  any 
medicinal  pi'operty  of  the  dru^-  itHelf.  Hence  the  alterative  properties 
formerly  attributed  to  these  plants  have  littlo  fouudatiou  in  fact. 


158  coiiNACE^:. 


CORNACEiC. 


Character  of  the  Order. — Slirul)H  or  trees,  with  opposite  or  r.iterimte, 
Him])lo  leaves.  Cnlyx-tube  iulliercnt  to  the  ovury,  its  liinbl-tootlied.  i'etals 
4,  vjilviite  in  the  bud.  Htiiineus  4,  inserted  witli  tlie  petals  on  the  margin 
of  !in  epigynoiLS  disk.  Style  single  ;  ovary  1-celled,  each  cell  with  u  sii.gle 
sus])ended  ovule.     Fruit  a  1-  to  2-seedod  drupe. 

A  small  order,  represented  in  North  America  by  three  genera,  n.'imely, 
Coruus,  Garryu,  and  Nyssa,  the  tirst-numed  alone  comprising  medicinal 
species. 

CORNUS.— CoKNKi-— DouwooD. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — P.arts  of  the  tlower  as  in  the  chai'acter  of  the 
order.  Fruit  a  small  drupe,  with  a  2-ceUed,  2-seeded  stone.  Leaves  op- 
posite except  in  a  single  species.  Flowers  small,  in  open  naked  cymes, 
or  in  close  heads  surroundtnl  by  a  corolla-like  involucre. 

CornilS  florida  Linne. — FUm-crui<j  Dixju-ond. 

lh;'<cripli(>ii.—Y\i)\\i'Yv,  small,  greenish-yellow,  in  a  close  head  or 
cluster,  which  is  surrounded  by  a  showy  4-leaved  involucre.  Drupes 
bright  red. 

A  tree,  10  to  30  feet  high.  Leaves  opposite,  ovate,  pointed,  acute  at 
the  base.  Leaves  of  the  involucre  1  to  1,^  incli  long,  white  or  pinldsh,  ob- 
cordate,  or  with  a  callous  notch  at  the  apex.  The  iiowors  appear  in  Miu^-- 
and  June,  before  the  leaves  are  fully  develoijed,  and  with  their  showy  in- 
voluci-es  render  the  tree  a  very  striking  object. 

JfubUal. — Li  woods  and  low  grounds  from  Canada  to  Florida  and  west- 
ward ;  everywhere  common. 

Cornus  circinata  ISViov.-  -  J^ound-lmvcd  Dogirood. 

Detfcn) il ion. —YlowL'VH  white,  in  open,  s^jreading  cymes,  without  an  in- 
volucre.    Drupes  light  blue. 

A  shrub,  (J  to  10  feet  high.  Leaves  opposite,  broadly  oval  or  orbicular, 
abruptly  acuminate,  4  to  o  inches  long,  2  to  5  inches  bi'oad,  tomentose 
ben(vith.  The  c\ynies  are  rather  small,  but  niuiicrous  ;  the  flowers  apjjear 
in  J I  je,  after  the  leaves  are  pi'c>tty  wiill  dcncloped. 

JIubitut. — Shady  banks  of  streams  from  Canada  to  the  mountains  of 
Virginia  and  westward. 

Cornus  sericea  JAum^.—Simmp  Dogwood,  Sdky  Cornel 

Description. — Flowers  white,  in  open,  spreading  rhymes,  without  an  in- 
volucre.    Drupes  light  l^hie. 

A  shrub,  0  to  10  feet  high,  the  bark  greenish-2)urplo  or  brownish- 
purphi.  Leaves  ovateor  ellii)tical,  cons])i(aiously  pointed,  the  lower  surface, 
as  well  as  the  petioles  and  smaller  branches,  silky-i)ubescent.  Cymes  close  ; 
the  flowers  appear  in  May  and  June. 


PLATE  V. 


'■  'olinson,  Del. 


CORNUS    FLORIDA. 


M    HRMCKK  ,  1,1  ni    N   Y 


I 
Plate  V — Cornusflorida. 

Fia.  1.— Flowering  bninch,  natural  aizo. 
Fio,  2.— Single  flower,  enlarged. 


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33  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY.  14S8C 

(716)  872-4503 


CORNUS — CORNEL — DOGWOOD.  IGl 

Huhilat. — In  wot  places,  Canada  to  Georgia  and  westward. 

l^art  Used. — The  bark  of  the  root  of  Cornus  llorida — United  States 
Phnrmaroprcia.  The  hark  of  all  the  species  is  employed,  though  that  of 
the  root  is  said  to  be  most  efficient. 

Constituents. — The  bark  of  the  official  species  has  a  bitter,  astringent, 
and  slightly  aromatic  taste.  Besides  the  ordinary  vegetal)le  principles,  it 
contains  a  peculiar  bitter  principle,  termed  cornin,  or  comic  acid,  to  which 
its  medicinal  virtues  are  probabl}',  in  a  great  measure,  due.  Its  astringency 
is  due  to  a  small  percentage  of  gallic  and  tannic  acids.  The  other  species 
of  cornus  sa'e  believed  to  contain  similar  principles. 

J^'epnrations. — Extracitum  cornus  fluidum — fluid  extract  of  cornus. — 
United  States  Fharmacopana.  The  decoction  is  also  said  to  be  an  efficient 
preparation,  though  Professor  Maisch  observed  that  the  bitter  jirincijile, 
when  in  aqueous  solution,  is  altered  and  destroyed  by  exposure  to  air 
and  heat.  The  bark  is  also  administered  in  powder.  A  commercial  ar- 
ticle occurs,  erroneously  termed  cornin,  which  is  prepared  by  evaporating 
an  aqueous  extract  or  by  precipitating  an  alcoholic  tincture  with  water  ; 
it  is  said  to  be  much  less  efficient  than  the  official  fluid  extract. 

Medical  rroperties  and  Uses. — Dogwood  is  tor ic,  astringent,  and  slightly 
arom"  .ic.  It  is  believed  to  be  the  best  indigenous  substitute  for  cinchona 
bark,  and  in  early  days  was  used  with  considerable  success  in  the  ti-eat- 
ment  of  miasmatic  fevers.  As  a  mild  tonic  in  convalescence,  in  simple  loss 
of  appetite,  and  in  debility  of  the  digestive  organs,  it  is  also  said  to  act 
favorably. 


Division   II. — Mono  pet  alous  Exogenous  Plants. 

Plants  with  both  calyx  and  corolla,  the  latter  composed  of  petals  more 

or  less  united,  and  hence  termed  monopetalous. 

« 

CAPRIFOLIACE/C. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Shnxbs  or  small  trees — rarely  herbs — with  op- 
posite, simple  or  compound  leaves.  Calyx-tube  adherent  to  the  ovary,  its 
limbs  4-  to  5-cleft  or  lobed.  Corolla  tubular,  urn  shaped  or  wheel-shaped, 
equally  or  unequally  4-  to  5-lobed.  Stamens  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the 
corolla — sometimes  one  less — inserted  upon  its  tube.  Ovary  2-  to  5-celled  ; 
style  filiform,  somewhat  capitate,  sometimes  absent,  when  the  2  to  5  stig- 
mas are  sessile.     Fruit  n  berrj',  drupe,  or  pod,  1-  to  many-seeded. 

An  order  represented  in  North  America  by  seven  genera,  four  of  which 
comprise  medicinal  species. 


162  CAPRIFOLIACEyE. 


DIERVILLA.— BuHii-HoNKYSUCKi.E. 

Diervilla  trifida  Muenchausen. — Bush- Honey  suckle. 

Deacriplion. — Calyx4ube  attenuated  at  the  summit,  its  limb  5-partecl, 
the  lobes  linear  or  awl-sliapetl,  persistent.  Corolla  funnel-formed,  the  limb 
5-cleft,  regular,  or  slightly  2-lipped,  greenish-yellow,  about  three-fourths 
of  an  inch  long.  Stamens  5.  Ovary  2-celled  ;  stigma  peltate-capitato.  Pod 
ovoid-oblong,  pointed,  2-celled,  2-valved,  septicidal,  many-seeded. 

An  upright  shrub,  2  to  4  feet  high.  Leaves  2  to  4  inches  long,  oblong- 
ovate,  acuminate,  serrate,  on  short  petioles.  Peduncles  axillary  or  ter- 
minal, 1-  to  3-flowered.     The  Howors  appear  from  June  to  August. 

Habitat. — Pioclcy  woods  from  Canada  to  the  mountains  of  North  Caro- 
lina. 

Farts  Used. — The  root,  leaves,  and  twigs — not  official. 

Constituents. — Unknown. 

Preparations. — It  is  commonly  employed  in  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  ana  Uses. — Said  to  be  diuretic,  astringent,  and  altera- 
tive, and  to  have  been  used  successfully  in  nephritic  and  calculous  affec- 
tions, in  gonorrhoia,  and  inflammation  of  the  bhidder  with  gravelly  deposit. 
If  it  were  not  alsc  said  to  be  curative  in  syphilis,  one  might  possibly  have 
some  faith  in  its  medicinal  virtue.  As,  however,  the  latter  statement  is  just 
as  authci'itative  as  the  former,  the  whole  subject  is  left  in  doubt. 

TRIOSTEUM.— Feverwort.  • 

Triosteum  perfollatum  Linno. — Feverwort,  Horse- Gentian,  Wild 
Ipecac. 

Description. — Calyx-tube  ovoid,  its  limb  5-parted,  the  segments  linear- 
lanceolate,  leaf-like,  persistent.  Corolla  tubular,  somewhat  gibbous  at  the 
base,  almost  equally  5-lobed,  about  as  long  as  the  calyx,  bipwnish-purple. 
Stamens  o.  Ovary  commonly  3-celled,  with  a  single  suspended  ovule  in 
each  cell ;  style  slender.     Fruit  a  rather  dry  drupe,  3-angled,  3-seedcd. 

An  herbaceous  perennial,  with  a  thick,  fleshy  root.  Stem  2  to  4  feet 
high,  stout,  simple,  softly  hairy.  Leaves  opposite,  cuneate  at  the  base,  4 
to  7  inches  long,  2  to  4  inches  wide,  oval  or  ovate,  acuminate,  abruptly 
narrowed  below,  hairy  above,  velvety-pubescent  beneath.  Flowers  axillary, 
sessile  or  nearly  so,  solitary  or  clustered,  appearing  in  June. 

Habitat. — In  rich  woodlands  from  Canada  to  the  mountains  of  North 
Carolina  and  westward. 

Part  Used. — The  root — not  official. 

Constituents. — Unknown. 

Preparations. — Triosteum  yields  its  virtues  to  water  and  alcohol,  and 
may  be  administered  in  infusion  or  tincture. 


VIBIRNUM ARROW- WOOD.  1(').'^ 

Medical  Prnperlies^  and  Uses. — The  voot  lias  a  clisapji'ocable  odor  and  a 
bitter,  nauseous  taste.  It  is  cathartic  and  in  large  doses  e.netic  ;  rarely 
used. 

SAMBUCUS.— Eloku. 

Sambucus  Canadensis  Linne. — Common  Elder. 

Dexcviplion. — Calyx  niinutc.ly  5-toothed,  the  teeth  at  length  ohsolete. 
Corolla  urn-shaped,  the  lobes  obtuse,  widely  spreading.  Stamens  5. 
Stigmas  3,  Fruit  a  juicy,  berry-like  drupe,  containing  3  small  seed-like 
nutlets. 

A  shrvibby  plant,  with  numerous  stems.  5  to  10  feet  high,  with  a  com- 
paratively large  pith.  Leaves  unequally  pinnate  ;  leailets  7  to  11,  oblong 
or  oval,  acuniiniite,  serrate.  Flowers  numerous,  white,  in  compound 
cymes,  appearing  in  June.  Fruit  small,  dark  2)urple  or  black,  edible, 
though  having  a  taste  which  is,  to  most  people,  rather  disa<^i'eeable. 

H(d)ilat. — In  thickets  and  along  neglected  fences  from  Cannda  to  Flor- 
ida and  westward  ;  everywhere  common. 

Part  U^ed. — The  flowers — United  Slalea  rharmacopma.  The  berries, 
the  inner  bark  of  the  stem,  and  the  bark  of  the  root  are  also  employed,  but 
are  not  official. 

Constituents. — Of  the  flowei-s :  they  have  a  peculiar,  sweetish  odor  and 
a  bittei'ish  taste.  Upon  distillation  with  water  they  yield  a  peculiar  vola- 
tile oil  of  a  butyraceous  consistence.  Of  the  berries  :  saccharine  matter 
and  malic  acid.  Of  the  bark  :  an  acid  identical  with  valerianic  acid,  be- 
sides common  vegetable  principles. 

Preparations. — None  are  official.  An  aromatic  water,  prepared  by  dis- 
tillation from  the  flowers  of  a  European  species,  is  official  with  the  Bi'itish. 
The  insjjissated  juice  of  the  berries  has  been  employed  medicinally,  and  a 
wine  made  by  fermenting  the  fresh  juice  is  considerably  i^scd  in  some 
parts  of  the  country.     The  bark  is  commonly  employed  in  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Elder-flowers  are  said  to  be  slightly  sudor- 
ific ;  in  the  form  of  the  distilled  water,  their  only  use  is  as  a  fragrant  vehi- 
cle. The  berries  are  sometimes  used  in  preparing  cooling  drinks ;  they 
appear  to  have  no  special  medicinal  activity.  The  br.rk  and  root  are 
actively  cathartic  and  were  formerly  vised  as  hydragogues. 

VIBURN  UM.  —  Auuow-wooD 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Calyx  5-tootlied.  Corolla  rotate,  deeply  5- 
lobed.  Stamens  5.  Ovary  1-  to  3-celled  ;  one  of  the  cells  containing  an 
ovule,  the  others  abortive  ;  stigmas  3.  Fruit  a  1-celled,  1-seeded  drupe* 
with  a  thin  pulp  and  a  crustaceous,  somewhat  flattened  stitne. 

Shrubs  or  small  trees,  with  simple,  undivided,  or  lobed  leaves.  Flowers 
white,  in  flat,  terminal,  compound  cymes  ;  the  marginal  flowers  sometimes 
sterile  or  radiani 


10-i  CAPRIFOLIACEyE. 

Viburnum  prunifolium  Tjumi-.—Jilnrk  Ilnn. 

Dc^cripliiH). — I'lowerH  all  iilikc,  fertile.  Fruit  oblong-ovoid,  compressed, 
bluisli-l^liick,  gliiucous,  swcot. 

A  shrub  or  small  tree,  8  to  20  feet  bigli.  Loaves  roundiAli-oval,  ovate 
or  obovate,  obtuse  or  abruptly  pointed,  finely  and  sharply  serrate,  l)riglit 
green,  glabrous.     Cymes  numerous,  sessile,  ajipoaring  in  May. 

Jfiil)il(if. — In  dry  woods  and  tiuclvcts  from  Connecticut  to  Illinois  and 
soutliward. 

Viburnum  Opulus  Linn,'. — Granbemj  Tree,  IHijh  Granhcrry,  Cramp- 
Hark. 

Desicription. — ]Marginid  flowers  of  the  cymes  without  stamens  or  pistils, 
but  with  cv^rollas  nuich  lai-ger  than  those  of  the  fertile  flowers.  Fruit 
nearly  spherical,  half  an  inch  long,  bright  red,  of  a  pleasant  acid  taste,  re- 
sendjling  that  of  cranberritis,  for  whicli  it  is  sometimes  sidjstituted. 

A  shrub,  3  to  10  feet  high,  with  spreading  branches.  Leaves  3-lobed, 
3-ribbed,  the  lobes  acuminate,  toothed.  Cymes  3  to  4  inches  in  diameter. 
The  flowei'S  appear  in  May  and  June.  A  cultivated  variety  of  this  species, 
the  common  garden  snow-ball  bush,  has  all  its  flowers  st(!rile. 

Ilabilnl. — In  swani])S  and  ah)ng  streams  from  Pennsylvania  northward  ; 
less  common  than  the  preceding. 

Part  Used. — Tlie  b:u-k  of  V.  prunifolium — United  States  Pharmacopcpia. 
The  bark  of  V.  Opulus  has  also  been  employed,  and  is  said  to  act  like  that 
of  the  ofiicial  species. 

(JondUticnix. — Analysis  of  V.  prunifolium  has  shown  the  pi*escnce  of  a 
brown  resinous  b(Kly  of  a  very  bitter  taste,  a  greenish-yellow  resin,  or  neutral 
principle,  aloo  bitter,  termed  vUmrnin,  valerianic  acid,  tannin,  and  other 
unimportant  vegetable  constituents.  V.  Opulus  probably  possesses  similar 
constituents. 

Preparation!^. — Extractum  viburni  fluidum — fluid  extract  of  viburnum. — 
United  States  Pharniacopa;ia.  There  are  commercial  fluid  extracts  of  V. 
Opulus. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Both  these  species  of  vibunuim  are  said 
to  be  antispasmodic,  nervine,  astringent,  and  tonic,  and  to  act  specifically 
upon  the  uterus.  V.  prunifolium  is  especially  praised  as  a  uterine  sedative, 
and  is  considered  by  many  very  efficient  in  threatened  abortion  and  in 
dysmenorrluea.  The  author  has  experimented  with  it  to  a  considerable 
extent,  but  with  very  unsatisfactory  results.  He  has  employed  it  in  many 
cases  of  threatened  abortion,  enjoining  at  the  same  time  absolute  rest  in 
the  recuml)ent  position,  but  never  with  any  good  effect  Avliich  could  be 
fairly  attributed  to  the  drug.  He  has  never  been  able  to  discover  that  it 
restrains  hemorrhage  or  abates  any  of  the  ordinary  symptoms  of  threat- 
ened abortion.  He  has  observed,  however,  that  to  many  patients  it  is  in- 
tensely disagreeable,  not  nnfrequently  exciting  nausea  and  vomiting,  and 
thus  directly  contributing  to  bring  about  the  result  which  it  was  intended 


PLATE  VI. 


I.  .lohnson.Del. 


VIBURNUM    PRUNIFOLIUM. 


■H.  HKtti'KK    I.tTM.  W.T. 


Plate   VI.— Viburnum  prunifolium. 

Fio.  1.— Flowering  branch. 

Fig.  2.— Calyx  and  pistil 

Fig.  3  —Corolla  and  stamens— all  natural  size. 


O  ALl  UM — BKDSTRA  W — CLE  A  VKUS.  1  (5  7 

to  avert.  With  its  use  in  (lystnonorrhoa  ho  has  havl  loss  oxporionpo,  Imt, 
so  far  as  it  goes,  tentlinf^  only  to  confirm  him  in  the  opinion  tliat  viburnum, 
as  a  uterine  seJative,  has  been  much  overrated. 

RUBIACE^. 

Character  of  the  Orrfer.— Shrubs  or  herbs,  with  opposite  leaves  con- 
nected by  stipules,  or  with  loaves  in  whorls  without  apparent  stipules. 
Calyx  adherent,  to  the  ovary.  Corolla  3-  to  o-lobed,  insort(^d,  to<:;ether  with 
the  same  uund)ur  of  stamens,  upon  the  calyx-tubo.  Ovary  2-  to  -l-cellod. 
Fruit  various. 

A  larjifo  oi'der,  coniprisin<^  many  inijjortant  jjlants,  amonj^  them  tho 
coffoo  and  cinchona  trees,  but  represented  in  North  America  by  only  a  few 
comparatively  unimportant  genera.  , 

GALIUM.— Bi:nsTUAw.—Ci,KAVK»s. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Calyx-teeth  obsolete.  Corolla  commonly  4- 
parted,  rarely  o-parted,  whecl-shaj^jed,  valvato  in  the  bud.  Stamens  as  many 
as  the  lobes  of  the  corolla.  Styles  2.  Fruit  globular,  dry  or  fleshy,  sepa- 
rating at  maturity  into  two  iudehiscont,  seed-like  carpels,  each  containing 
a  single  .seed. 

Slender  herbs,  wdth  square  stems,  whorled  leaves,  and  smtdl  axillary 
or  terminal  cymose  flowers.  Tho  roots  frequently  contain  red  coloring 
matter. 

Galium  Aparine  Linnc. — Clcai-em,  Hoot^e-OnD^n. 

DcHeriplltm. — Flowers  axillary,  on  1-  to  2-llowered  peduncles,  white. 
Fruit  large,  bristly  with  hooked  prickles. 

An  annual  herb,  with  a  weak,  reclining  stem,  bristly  with  recurved 
prickles.  Leaves  in  whorls  of  about  8,  lanceolate,  tapering  at  the  base, 
short-pointed,  rough  on  the  margins  and  mid-rib.  It  flowers  from  May  or 
June  forward. 

Ilabilat. — Common  in  shady  thickets  and  margins  of  woods.  Tlie 
plant  is  indigenous  to  Europe,  but  whether  introduced  or  indigenous  hero 
is  not  known. 

Galium  triflorum  IMichaux. — Sweet-scented  Bedt^traw. 

Description. — Flowers  axillary,  on  3-flowei'ed  peduncles,  greenish. 
Fruit  hispid  with  hooked  bristles. 

An  herbaceous  perennial  Stem  reclining  or  procuinbent,  bristly  or 
hispid  backward  iipon  the  angles.  Leaves  in  whorls  of  (>,  elliptical- 
lanceolate,  bristle-pointed,  1-veined,  the  margins  commonly  roughened. 
It  flowers  in  Juno  and  July. 

Ilabilat. — Moist  and  rich  woodlands  throughout  the  United  States  and 
Canada. 


168  RuniAciLE. 

Part  Vaed. — Tlio  herb — no*-  official,  Tlio  roots  of  sovornl  specios  of 
p;ii]iiuu  wcio  UHfid  by  tlio  aliorii^'incs  iih  (lyo-KtulfH. 

diDislilimnfi*. — TliOHO  and  w^vcral  otlicr  species  of  <^aliiiiu  contain  oitlici" 
finlihiniiic  or  asprrfainiif  acid,  tofj^othcr  with  other  orj^anic,  acids,  a  bitter 
l)rin(!ii)lo,  and  connuon  vegetable  principles.  G,  trilloruni  contains  also  cou- 
niarin,  to  wliioh  its  fragrant  odor  is  diK;. 

Prepm'atioiis. — There  are  commercial  lluid  extracts  of  some  of  tlio 
species,  but  when  nsed  at  all  the  })lanis  are  commonly  administered  in 
decoction  or  in  the  form  of  the  recently  expressed  jnice. 

Medical  / 'roper tict^  and  rws. — Galium  Aparine  is  diuretic  and  refrig- 
erant. It  has  been  used  in  many  diseases  of  th(!  urinary  organs,  in  scaly 
atl'ections  of  the  skin,  and  in  cancer,  with  asserted  benefit-,  (r.  tritloriun 
acts  in  a  similar  manner,  but  as  it  contains  coumarin,  it  might  also  be  ex- 
j)ected  to  exert  some  intluence  upon  the  nervous  system. 

CEPIIALANTIIUS.— BiiTTON'-Bi'SH. 

Cephalanthus  occidentalis  Linne. — nutl()n-P>ui<h. 

Description. — Calyx-tiil)0  inversely  pyramidal,  the  limb  4-toothed. 
Corolla  tubular,  slender,  its  limb  -l-cleft,  the  lobes  erect,  imbricate  in  the 
bud.  Stamens  •!,  stylo  filiform,  exserted  ;  stigma  capitate.  Fruit  dry, 
inversely  pyramidal,  "1-  to  4-celled,  separating  from  the  base  to  the  summit 
into  2  to  \  closed,  1-seeded  portions. 

^.  shrub,  3  to  10  feet  high.     Leaves  opposite  or  ternate,  oval  or  lancec 
late,  pointed,  3  to  5  inches  long.     Flowers  densely  aggregated  in  close  glo- 
bose heads,  axillary  or  terminal,  appearing  in  July  and  August. 

Habit  a  I. — Alargins  of  swamps  and  in  wet  places,  Canada  and  the 
United  States. 

l*art  Used. — The  bark — not  official. 

Const iluent!^. — Ceplialantlius  contains  tannin,  an  uncr^'stallizable  bitter 
principle,  a  principle  analogous  to  saponin,  two  resins,  and  common  veg- 
etable principles. 

Pre^xiralionii. — Tlie  virtues  of  the  bark  are  yielded  to  water  and  alcohol, 
and  heuce  it  may  be  administered  in  infusion  or  tincture. 

3[edical  J'roperlies  and  fs^'.s. — Like  nearly  all  vegetable  substances  pos- 
sessing bitterness,  this  has  been  employed  Avith  asserted  success  in  inter- 
mittent and  remittent  fevers.  It  has  not,  however,  attained  an  established 
reputation,  and  its  medicinal  virtues  are  altogether  problematical. 

MITCHELL  A.— PAnTmnoE-BEnRV. 

Mitchella  repens  Linne. —  Partridge-Jierr)/,  Squaw-Berry. 

Description. — Flowers  in  pairs  with  ovaries  united.  Calyx  4-tootlied, 
Corolla  funnel-formed,  with  a  slender  tube,  its  limb  4-lobed,  the  lobes 
spreading,  densely  bearded  inside  with  white  hairs.     Stamens  4,  inserted 


MITCHELLA — PAUTUIDOE-HEUUY.  10!) 

in  tho  tlu'oat  of  tlio  corollii.  Htylo  filiform  ;  Hti<,'nms  4.  Fruit,  Imcciitc, 
bright  rod,  (■()iii[M)H(tl  of  tlu!  imitc'd  oviirics  of  both  flowers,  tacli  of  which 
coiitiiiuH  4:  biuull  homy,  l-soodod  nutlets.     It  is  edible  but  insipid. 

A  small  creeping,  evergreen  herl).  Stems  slender,  u  it)  12  inche-s  long, 
brunching  luul  rooting  iifc  tho  joints  und  beeoming  niatted  upon  tho  sur- 
face of  the  ground.  Leaves  one-half  inch  long,  opposite,  roundisli,  diirk 
green  and  shining,  jjfonorally  niarkcnl  with  a  central  longitudinal  line  of  a 
ligiiter  color,  of  a  coriaceous  t«'xture.  I'lowei's  of  two  kinds,  one  v,ith 
stamens  oxserted  and  style  included,  the  otiier  with  style  exserted  and 
stamens  included  ;  these  difVerent  kinds  of  flowers  oc(;ur  in  dilVerent  jjlants. 
Tho  Howors  are  white,  about  one-half  in(;h  long,  and  though  generally  with 
their  parts  in  fours,  n(<t  imfrecpiently  have  them  in  five",  or  even  in  sixes  ; 
they  aro  produced  in  June.     The  whole  plant  turns  black  in  drying. 

Ilahilal. — In  moist  woods,  about  the  roots  of  trees,  often  forming  u 
vivid  greon  matting,  variegated  in  autumn  by  the  bright  red  berries,  the 
latter  often  p(n'sist:ng  till  spring.     Evcrywhero  common. 

I'avl  L'scd. — Tiio  herb — not  official. 

Const  il.iunilM. — Uidcnown. 

J'n'iH;riilioiif':---lt  is  administei'cd  in  infusion  ov  decoction. 

Mrdiral  /'I'operticH  and  l.'iif.i. — The  medical  i)i"opcrties  of  this  plant  aro 
altogether  problematical.  It  is  said  to  bo  astringent,  diuretic,  and  partu- 
rient. Squaws  are  said  to  us"  a  decoction  of  it  for  som(^  weeks  jjn^vious 
to  their  parturition,  in  order  to  i-endcr  th(,'ir  delivery  safe  and  easy  ;  white 
women  Homctimos  use  slippery  (^Im  for  the  same  piui)ose,  and  probably 
with  about  tho  same  amount  of  benefit. 

COMPOSIT/E.        9 

Gharnctcr  of  ihe  Order. — Flowers,  relatively  small,  collected  in  a  dense 
head  \\\}o\x  a  common  receptacle  and  surrounded  by  an  invcjlucre  of  bracts, 
the  whole  resembling  a  single  flower,  and  termed  l)y  the  older  botanists 
compound.  The  separate  tlowei's :  calyx-tube  coherent  with  the  ovary,  its 
limb,  termed  pappus,  composed  of  bristles,  plumose  hairs,  scales,  or  even 
minute  leailets,  though  sometimes  absent  entirely  or  reduced  to  a  mere 
margin.  Corolla  usually  composed  of  Ij  united  petals,  either  ligulate  or 
tubulai'.  Stamens  5,  rai'ely  fewer,  their  anthers  linear  and  united  into  a 
tube,  sometimes  with  an  apiiendage  at  the  top  or  at  the  base.  Ovary  1- 
celled,  1-ovuled  ;  style  in  the  fertile  flowers  2-cleft,  tho  lobes  often  fur- 
nished with  hairs  for  collei^ting  pollen,  the  stigmatic  surfaces  in  the  form  of 
elevated  lines  along  the  inner  margins.  Fruit  an  acheuium  crowned  with 
the  pappus. 

A  veiy  largo  order  of  hei'bs,  rarely  shrubs  or  trees,  comjirising  about 
one-tenth  of  the  flowering  plants  of  the  world.  The  flowers  occur  in  man_y 
diil'erent  forms.     When  all  of  them  are  perfect  the  head  is  said  to  be 


170  COMPOSITE. 

homogamou!^ ;  when  the  marginal  ones  are  pistillate  or  neuter  and  the 
others  are  perfect  or  staniinate,  the  head  is  termed  hderoyainous.  The 
flowers  with  a  strap-shajied  (liyulalc)  corolla  are  termed  rays,  or  ray-Jlow- 
ers  ;  and  when  these  are  present  the  head  is  termed  radiate.  A  head 
composed  entirely  of  tubular  Uowers  is  termed  discoid,  and  tubular 
flowers  occupying  the  centre  of  a  radiate  flower  make  what  is  called  the 
disk.  In  some  case::  the  staniinate  and  T)istillato  flowers  fire  ujion  difl'erent 
individuals — then  the  plant  is  diuxuuus.  Tlie  receptacle  is  ^w/mceows  or 
chq//'y  when  covered  with  membranaceous  scales,  and  naked  when  destitute 
of  them. 

To  indicate,  even  in  the  most  general  way,  the  medicinal  character  of 
such  an  immense  orderof  plants  is  well-nigh  impossible.  It  will  sutKce  to 
say  that  very  many  of  tlunu  possess  tonic  properties,  few  are  aromatic, 
most  are  disagreeable,  and  iioriO  are  poisonous. 

LIATRIS. — Button  Snakeuoot. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Heads  few-  or  many-flowered  ;  flowers  all 
tubular,  perfect.  Scales  of  the  involucre  few  or  many,  imbricate,  ap- 
pressed.  Ksceptacle  naked.  Corolla  5-lobed,  the  lobes  usually  elongated. 
Branches  of  tlie  style  much  exserted,  roundish  or  sonaewhat  flattened,  ob- 
tuse. Achenia  round,  slender,  tapering  to  the  base,  10-ribbed.  Pappus 
of  10  to  40  plumose  or  barbellate  bristles. 

Perennial  herbs,  with  simple  stems  and  tuberous  roots.  Leaves  alter- 
nate, usually  lanceolate  or  liueiu',  entire,  with  a  rigid  margin,  often  resin- 
ous-dottod.  Heads  in  an  elongated  sjiikc  or  raceme,  sonietimcs  panicu- 
late, rarely  cymoso  ;  flowers  showy,  rose-jmrple,  rarely  pale  or  white. 

Liatris  spicata  Wiiklenow. — Button  Snakeroot,  DeciVs  Bit,  Colic  Root. 

Description. — Heads  8-  to  12-flowered,  one-fourth  to  one-half  inch  long, 
sessile,  in  an  elongated  spike  ;  involucre  cylindrical-campaiuilate,  obtuse 
at  the  base,  the  numerous  scales  appressed,  obtuse,  punctate,  and  with 
narrow,  scarious,  purplish  margins,  the  inner  ones  oblong,  the  outer  ovate 
or  oval.     Pappus  densely  barbellate  ;  achenia  hairy. 

biem  erect,  3  to  5  feet  high,  smooth,  leafy,  proceeding  from  a  roundish 
corm  or  tuber.  Leaves  very  numerous,  hairy  on  the  veins  beneatli.  punc- 
tate, those  of  the  stem  linear,  diminisliing  in  length  from  below  upward, 
the  radical  ones  also  linear,  but  very  long. 

Hibilal. — In  moist  ground  from  Southern  New  York  to  Wisconsin  and 
southward.  . 

Liatris  odoratissima  "Willdenow. — Vanilla  Plant,  Deer's  Tongue. 

JJescriplion. — Heads  small,  4-  to  10-flowered,  in  a  panicle  or  corymb ;' 
scales  of  tlu;  involucre  f(!W,  slightly  imbricated,  spatulatc-obhrng.  Corolla- 
lobes  short,  ovate.     Pappus  minutely  barbellate,  not  plumose. 

Stem  simple  or  branched  above,  2  to  4  feet  higli,  fi*om  a  short  rhizome, 
not  tuberous.     Leaves  thic'v,  somewhat  glaucous,  the  radical  ones  obovate- 


LIATHIS. — BUTTON    SNAKEUOOT.  171 

spatulato,  taperinf;  at  the  base,  often  Klightly  and  obtusely  toothed,  the 
upper  ones  oblong,  clasping.  The  flowers  are  bright  purple  and  appear  in 
September  and  October. 

Hahilal. — In  pine  barrens  from  Virginia  southward. 

Tliese  two  species  are  described,  since  they  represent  the  marked  char_ 
actei'istics  of  the  genus.  Several  other  species  are  or  have  been  employed 
medicinally,  but  they  do  not  dift'er  materially  in  ell'ect  from  L.  spicata. 

Farts  Used. — Of  L.  spicata,  tjio  root — not  olHcial  ;  of  L.  odoratissima, 
the  leaves— not  official.  .  | 

C'onslituenls. — The  rhizomes  contain  volatile  oil  and  resin.  The  leaves 
of  L.  odoratissima  contain  couinarin.  ij 

Preparations. — Fluid  extracts  and  tinctures  of  L.  spicata  occur  aa  com- 
mercial articles,  ■while  L.  odoratissima  is  employed  in  substance  only. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — L.  spicata  is  one  of  the  numerous 
"  snakeroots  "  or  remedies  for  snake-bites.  It  probably  possesses  no  anti- 
dotal properties  whatever,  and  the  beneficial  eft'ects  attributed  to  it  are 
doubtless  due  to  the  diaphoresis  induced  by  the  admiiiistx'ation  of  large 
quantities  of  hot  decoction.  As  the  drug  iwsscssos  stimulating  properties 
a  diaphoretic  efl'ect  is  readily  induced  in  this  mannci",  but  there  is  every 
reason  to  doubt  its  efficacy  in  cases  of  venomous  snake-bites. 

L.  odoi'atissima  deserves  much  more  attention  from  the  fact  that  it  is  - 

largely  used  as  an  adulterant  of  smoking  tobacco,  than  from  any  demon- 
strated medicinal  virtues.  There  is  abundant  evidence  to  show  that  the 
leaves  of  this  plant  enter  largely  into  the  manufacture  of  many  grades  of 
smoking  tobacco,  especially  those  employed  in  our  domestic  cigarettes. 
And  the  author  is  convinced,  from  personal  experience  and  observation, 
that  the  dcdeterious  el't'ects  produced  by  smoking  tobaiico  thus  adulterated 
are  much  greater  than  those  produced  by  the  consumption  of  pure  tobacco 
in  even  great  excess.  The  inhalation  of  a  few  whiti's  of  tlie  smoke  from 
a  cigarette  made  of  this  adulterated  material,  provided  the  iidialations  ai"G 
made  in  cfliick  succession,  produces  a  ti'ain  of  cerebral  sensations  of  an 
intoxicating  character  as  much  different  from  any  eli'ect  of  tobacco  alone 
as  could  be  imagined  ;  and  prolonged  use  of  such  cigarettes  invariably 
produces  great  derangement  of  the  digestive  organs,  very  little  resembling 
the  dyspepsia  induced  by  excessive  use  of  tobacco,  together  with  cardiac 
symptoms  often  of  a  disjtressing  character.  And  again,  the  habit  of  smok- 
ing coumarin  in  this  form  ajipears  to  become  more  inveterate,  more  ex- 
acting, than  that  of  the  use  of  tobacco  alone,  so  that  the  unhappy  victim — 
for  such  he  should  be  called — is  never  comfortable  except  when  indulging. 
Hence  it  happens  that  cigarette-smoking  in  this  country,  in  its  ellec^ts 
upon  adolescents  especially,  is  assuming  the  jjroportions  of  a  great  na- 
tional evil,  and  is  pi'oducing  far  more  deleterious  effects  than  in  otlier 
countries  where  it  is  practised  to  a  greater  extent  but  with  ditTereut  ma- 
terial. 


172  COMPOSIT  K 


EUPATORIUM.— TiiououoinvouT. 


Character  of  the  Genus. — Heads  few-  or  manj'  flowered  ;  flowei-s  all  tu- 
bulir,  perfect.  Involucre  cylindrical  or  cauipaimlate,  the  scales  imbri- 
cated in  two  or  more  series,  or  sometimes  nearly  equal  in  a  single  scries. 
Receiitade  flat  or  slightly  convex,  naked.  Corolla  5-toothed.  Authei's 
included.  Branches  of  the  style  mostjj'  exserted.  Aclionia  a-angled. 
I'appus  a  single  series  of  capillary  bristles,  scabous  or  minutely  serrulate. 

Perennial  herbs,  with  opposite,  rarely  alternate  or  whorled  leaves. 
Heads  genex'ally  corymbose  ;  flowers  purple,  blue,  or  white.  Leaves  and 
flowers  often  resinous-dotted. 

Eupatorium  perfoliatum  Limic — Tlioroiujhu-orl,  Boneset. 

Deacri'plwn. — Heads  10-  to  15-flowered,  Avhite,  in  a  large  compound 
corymb.  Scales  of  the  involucre  12  to  15,  very  pubescent,  glandular,  im- 
bricated ;  the  iimer  ones  linear-lanceolate,  with  scjarious  tips.  Achenia 
glabrous  or  minutely  glandular. 

Stem  stout,  2  to  4  feet  high,  very  pubescent  or  hirsute,  corynibosely 
branched  above.  Leaves  lanceolate,  opposite,  united  at  the  base  about  the 
stem  so  as  to  appear  perfoliate,  tapering  to  a  slender  point,  obtusely  ser- 
rate, veiny,  wrinkled,  the  lower  .surface  tomentose-pubescent  and  resinous- 
dotted.     It  flowers  late  in  summer. 

IlahUul. — In  low  grounds,  United  States  and  Canada  ;  everywhere 
common. 

Eupatorium  purpureum  LiunL'. — Joe-Pi/e  Weed,  Trumpet-Weed, 
O  ravel-Root, 

Description. — Heads  cylindrical,  5-  to  15-flowered,  purple,  in  a  dense 
compound  corymb.  Scales  of  the  involucre  numerous,  purplish,  obtuse, 
slightly  striate,  closely  imbricated  in  several  series,  the  outer  short. 
Achenia  glabrous  and  more  or  less  glandular. 

Stem  stout,  3  to  7  or  more  feet  high,  simple,  pubescent  or'  glabrous. 
Leaves  3  to  6  in  a  whorl,  oblong-ovate  or  lanceolate,  pointed,  veiny, 
scabrous  or  glabrous  above,  somewhat  pubescent  beneath,  serrate,  resin- 
ous-dotted.    It  flowers  from  July  forward. 

Habitat. — In  low  gi'ounds,  United  States  and  Canada ;  everywhere 
common. 

These  two  species  fairly  represent  the  medicinal  activity  of  the  genus  ; 
many  other  species  possess  similar  proijerties. 

Parts  Used. — Of  I'l  perfoliatum,  the  leaves — United  States  Pharniacn- 
pceia  ;  of  E.  purpureum,  the  i-oot — not  official. 

Constituents. — The  official  species  contains  a  large  percentage  of  a  pecu- 
liar bitter  extractive,  to  which  its  therapcuitic  eflects  are  attributed,  but 
whose  chemical  character  is  as  yet  undetermined.  The  constituents  of  E. 
puroureum  have  not  been  ascertained. 


TUSSILAGO — COLTSFOOT. 


17a 


.Preparations. — Of  E.  iiorfoliatum  :  Estractuni  cupatorii  fluidum— lluid 
extract  of  eupatoriiim~t'/u7L.v/  States  Pliarmacopivia.  The  iiii'usiou  uiul 
decoction  are  efficient  preparations,  and  are  )uost  comniouly  eiiii)loy('d. 
Of  E.  purpureum  there  are  coinTnercial  flnid  extracts,  but,  as  with  the  other 
species,  it  is  most  commonly  adniinistei'ed  in  decoction  or  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Ufies. — Of  domestic  remedies  few  are  better 
kno\ra  or  more  largely  used  than  boneset.  It  is  tonic,  diaphoretic,  emetic, 
and  cathartic,  the  ditierent  ellects  dependinij;  largely  upon  the  size  of  the 
dose  and  mode  of  administra- 
tion. The  infusion,  taken  cold 
in  moderate  doses,  is  tonic,  and, 
is  employed  in  debility  of  tho 
digestive  organs  and  in  conva- 
lescence. Taken  warm  in  lai'ge 
doses,  the  infusion  or  decoction 
produces  copious  diaphoresis, 
and  is  cmiiloycd  in  the  acute 
stages  of  catarrhal  aflections  and 
in  fevers,  especially  those  of  an 
intermittent  or  remittent  type. 
In  still  larger  doses  the  warm 
infusion  or  decoction  i^roduces 
cmesis  or  catharsis  ;  these  effects 
are,  however,  selch^m  sought. 

E.  purpureum,  or  gravel-root, 
is  said  to  be  diuretic  and  to  have 
been  employed  in  urinary  aiiec- 
tions,  but  it  has  not  attained  an 
established  reputation  and  is 
seldom  used. 

TUSSILAGO.— Coltsfoot. 

Tussilago  Farfara  Linne. 
—ColtxfooL 

7A'.vc/vyj<io».— -Heads  radiate,  many  flowered  ;  ray-llowers  jiumerous, 
narrowly  ligulate,  pistillate,  fertile,  in  many  rows,  bright  yellf)w  ;  tubular 
disic-flowers  few,  staminate.  Scales  of  the  involucre  oblong,  obtuse,  nearly 
in  a  single  row.  Receptacle  flat,  naked.  Style  abortive  in  the  disk-flow- 
ers, 2-cleft  in  the  ray-flowers,  the  branches  neai'lv  round.  Achenia  of  the 
raj'-flowers  fiyliudrical-oblong,  smooth  ;  in  tho  disk,  abortive.  Pappus 
capillary,  copious  in  the  ray-flowers,  in  a  single  series  in  the  disk. 

A  perennial  herb,  with  a  rathev  thick  rhizome.  Stems  simple,  often 
growing  in  tufts,  erect,  about  6  inches  high,  woolly  and  scaly,  1-flowered. 
Leaves  all  radical,  appearing  after  the  flowers,  cordate,  angular-toothed,. 


FlO.  133. — Tussilago  I'uifur.i. 


174  COMPOSIT.E. 

petioled,  3  to  5  inclios  in  diameter  when  fully  gi'own,  smoothisli  above, 
wliitish  and  tomentose  beneath.  Heads  of  flowers  solitary,  about  three- 
quarters  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  appearing  in  INIarch  and  April. 

Ilahilnl. — In  wet  places  and  along  brooks.  New  England,  New  Yorlc, 
and  Pennsylvania,     Introduced  from  Europe. 

J\irt  i'se(/. — The  entire  plant,  l»ut  chiefly  the  leaves — not  official. 

Const i'lufiit.'<. — Bitter  and  nuicilagiiio.is  princnples, 

I'reimmtums. — It  is  commonly  rmployed  in  decoction. 

Metfical  /Properties  and  U>ies. — Coltsfoot  is  demulcent  and  slightly  tonic. 
It  has  been  emj^loyed  chiefly  in  chronic  pulmonary  diseases. 

ERIG  ]]ROX.  —Flea  hane. 

Chamcter  of  the  Order. — Heads  radiate,  many-flowered,  mostly  hemi- 
spherical ;  ray-flowers  A'ery  numerous,  usually  in  more  than  one  series,  pis- 
tillate ;  disk-llowers  tubular,  perfect,  the  outer  ones  sometimes  filiform  and 
truncate,  pistillate.  Scales  of  the  involucre  narrow,  nearly  equid,  slightly 
imbricated,  in  a  single  or  double  scries.  Receptacle  flat,  naked.  Achenia 
flattened,  usually  pubescent,  and  with  2  lateral  nerves.  Pappus  a  single 
series  of  capillary  bristles,  often  with  smaller  ones  intermingled,  or  with 
an  outer  series  of  mimxte  bristles  or  chally  scales. 

Herbs,  with  entire,  toothed  or  lobed  leaves.  Heads  solitar}',  corj-mbose 
or  i^aniculate.     Disk-flowers  yelL  w  ;  rays  Avhite,  blue,  or  puri)le. 

Erigeron  Philadelphicum  rAnno  {E.  jjurjiureuni  Alton). — riuladel- 
2)Jiia  Flcahuie,  Common  Fleabane. 

Dciicription. — Heads  rather  small,  coi'ymbose  ;  rays  vei'y  numerous  and 
verj'  narrow,  pale  reddish-pui*ple  or  flesh-color,  more  than  twice  the  length 
of  the  involucre,     Achenia  minutely  hairy  ;  pappus  simple. 

Stem  hairy,  slender,  1  to  3  feet  high.  Leaves  numerous,  thin,  the 
lower  spatulate,  crenate-dentate,  the  upper  obhmg,  clasping,  and  mostly 
cordate  at  the  base,  entire  or  slightly  serrate.  It  blooms  in  summer.  A 
(piite  variable  sjiecies. 

Habitat. — Woodlands  and  fields  ;  common  everj'where. 

Erigeron  anniium  Persoon  [E.  heterophyllnm  Muhlenberg,  E.  stri- 
goaum  Bigelow). —  f/aisij  Fleabane,  Sweet  Seabioux. 

Dei^criplion. — Heads  corymbose ;  rays  very  numerous,  nearly  or  quite 
in  a  single  row,  narrow,  white  or  tinged  with  purple,  not  twice  the  length 
of  the  involucre.  Pappus  double,  the  outer  a  series  of  chaffy  scales,  the 
inner  of  scanty  capillaiy  bristles  which  are  deciduous,  or  sometimes  want- 
ing in  the  rays. 

An  annual  or  biennial  herb.  Stem  stout,  3  to  5  feet  high,  corymbosely 
bi'anched  above,  hairy.  Leaves  coarsely  and  sharply  seiTate,  the  lower 
ovate,  obtuse,  tapering  into  a  margined  petiole,  the  upper  ovate-lanceolate, 
acute  and  entire  at  both  ends.     It  blooms  in  summer. 

Ilabitat. — Fields  and  waste  places  ;  everywhere  common. 


SOLIDAOO — OOLDEN-ROD.  175 

Erigeron  Canadense  Linm'. — Canada  Flenbane,  Ilorse-Weed,  Jintler- 
Weed. 

Description. — Heads  voiy  nnmei'ons,  small,  cylindrical,  jianicled  ;  rays 
numerous,  inconsincuous,  shorter  than  the  involucre.     Pappus  simple. 

Stem  erect,  3  to  5  feet  high,  panicled  above,  hispid  or  sometimes  nearl,\ 
glabrous.  Leaves  lanceolate-linear,  mostly  entire,  liispidly  ciliate  ;  radical 
leaves  cut-lobed.     It  blooms  from  July  till  late  in  the  artumn. 

Ifabitat. — A  common  and  unsightly  weed,  widely  ditt'used  over  the 
world. 

These  three  species  fairly  represent  the  whole  genus,  though  several 
others  have  been  employed  medicinally. 

Parts  Used. — The  leaves  and  tops — not  official,  though  they  were  for- 
merly. 

Constituents. — All  these  species  of  erigeron  when  distilled  with  water 
yield  volatile  oil,  E.  Canadense  producing  a  gi'eater  jiroportion  than  the 
others,  and  an  article  of  slightly  different  character.  Among  their  other 
constituents  are  tannic  and  gallic  acids  and  bitter  extractive. 

Preparations. — Among  the  commercial  preparations  are  solid  and  fluid 
extracts.  The  plants  are  most  commonly  administered  in  decoction  or  in- 
fusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — There  is  probably  little  difference  in  the 
kind  of  effect  produced  by  the  different  sjjecies  of  erigeron,  but  it  is  gen- 
erally admitted  that  E.  Canadense  is  most  active.  This  is  considered  diu- 
retic, tonic,  and  astringent.  It  has  been  used  beneficially  in  diseases  of  the 
urinai'y  organs  and  in  drojisies.  The  oil  is  said  to  be  useful  in  uterine, 
pulmonary,  and  other  internal  hemon-hages-. 

SOLID  AGO. —G  oi.DEN-RoD. 

Solidago  odora  Alton. — Sweet-scented  Golden-Rod. 

Description. — Heads  few- flowered,  radiate  ;  rays  3  or  4,  rather  large, 
oblong,  obtuse,  pistillate  ;  disk-flowers  tubular,  perfect.  Scales  of  the  in- 
volucre oblong,  acute,  destitute  of  foliaceous  tips,  the  outer  ones  shorter 
and  imbricating  the  othei'S.  Receptacle  small,  not  chafiy.  Achenia  many- 
ribbed,  somewhat  terete.  Pappus  simple,  of  numerous  scabrous  capillary 
bristles. 

Stem  slender,  2  to  3  feet  high,  smooth  or  slightly  pubescent  below, 
pubescent  above.  Leaves  linear-lanceolate,  entire,  reticulate-veiny,  but 
only  the  mid-vein  distinct,  rough  on  the  margin,  otherwise  smooth  and 
shining,  pellucid-dotted.  Heads  in  racemose,  one-sided  panicles,  appear- 
ing in  September. 

Habitat. — In  the  margins  of  thickets  and  in  old  fields,  in  sandy  soil, 
from  Maine  and  Vermont  to  Kentucky  and  southward. 

Parts  Used. — The  leaves  and  tops — not  official. 


170  COMPOSITE. 

Co)ii<lihir)i/x. — A  fnifjvfut  volatile  oil. 

Frepamlioiis.  —  Infusion,  decoction,  nml  volatile  oil. 

Medical  Prifperliefi  and  Uaes. — Goldeu-rod  is  gently  stimulant,  diapho- 
retic, and  carminative.  The  decoction  and  ^;ann  infusion  are  used  in  do- 
mestic practice  to  produce  diaphoresis,  to  relieve  colic,  and  to  promote 
menstruation.     Tlu^  oil  is  used  for  similar  purjjoses. 

Other  sj)ecies  of  solidago  have  been  employed  medicnual^",  but  iione  of 
them  ai'e  as  agreeable  as  this. 


GRINDELIA. 

Charnctn'  of  the  Genus. — Heads  many-flowered  ;  rays  jMstillate,  in  a 
single  series  ;  disk-flowers  tubular,  perfect.  Involucre  hemispherical  or 
sub-globose,  the  numerous  scales  imbricated  in  several  series.  Iiecei)tacle 
flat,  minutely  pitted.  Corolla  of  the  ray  elongated  ;  of  the  disk,  tubular- 
infundibuliform,  5-toothed.  Achenia  obovate  or  oval,  somewhat  angled, 
glabrous.  Pappus  of  2  to  8  rigid  brisLlcs  or  awns,  which  are  early  de- 
ciduous. 

Perennial  or  biennial  herbs  (rarely  suft'ruticose),  Avith  branching  stems. 
Leaves  entire  or  serrate,  somewhat  jjelkicid-  or  reticulate-punctate  ;  the 
radical  ones  usually  spatulate,  cauline,  sessile  or  joartly  clasping.  Heads 
solitary  at  the  summit  of  the  branches  ;  flowers  yellow.  The  heads,  in- 
(duding  the  involucres,  are  commonly  thickly  coated  with  a  glutinous  or 
resinous  varnish. 

Grindelia  robustaNuttall. 

Description. — Heads  large,  manj'-flowerod.  Involucre  leafy  at  the  base, 
the  scales  jtroduced  into  recurved-squarrose,  subulate-linear  appendages  ; 
piippus  of  2  to  5  bristles. 

Stem  stout,  1^^  foot  hi^ii,  branching.  Leaves  oblong,  obtuse,  coarsely 
serrate,  cordate-clasjiiug,  1^  to  2  inches  long.  The  entire  phmt  glabrous. 
A  variable  species. 

Habitat. — Common  along  the  Pacific  coast. 

Grindelia  squarrosa  Dunal. 

Descvipfion. — Heads  smaller  than  the  preceding  ;  the  involucre  about 
one-half  inch  in  diameter.  Scales  with  rccui'ved-squaiTOse  or  mostl}'  cir- 
cinate,  subulate  tips  ;  pappus  of  2  to  4  bristles. 

Stem  rather  slender,  10  to  20  inches  high,  corymbosely  branched. 
Leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  or  spatulate,  finely  serrate,  the  upper  entire, 
somewhat  clasping. 

llal)itat. — Cojnmon  on  the  dry  plains  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

Several  other  species  of  grindelia  resemble  those  above  described  in 
general  appearance  and  probably  in  constituents  also. 

Parts  Used. — The  leaves  and  flowering  tops  of  G.  robusta — official 
title,  Grindelia — United  States  Pharmacopceia.     G.  squarrosa  is  believed  to 


INULA — ELECAMPANE. 


1 


i  i 


be  nearly  if  not  quite  as  efficacious  as  the  official  species,  and  the  two  are 
often  found  mixed  in  coniniex'ce. 

(hnditne.nl^. — As  remarked  above,  tlio  flower-heads  of  plantw  of  tliis 
genus  are  commonly  coat(!d  with  a  glutinous  or  resinous  Niuuish.  Tlie 
same  substance  is  more  or  less  diffused  in  the  stems  and  leaves,  and  con- 
tains the  active  principles,  namely,  a  peculiar  volatile  oil  of  a  terebinthi- 
nate  odor,  reshi,  and  a  cry.stalline  body  having  an  alkaline  reaction, 

Vreparaliom. — Extractum  grindeliic  lluidum — fluid  extract  of  grindelia. 
—  Uni/t'd  Stall's  I'liarinacopd'ia. 

Medical  Prupertiea  and  tV.s. — TIio  therapeutic  effects  of  grindelia  ap- 
pear, in  many  respects,  to  bear  a  striking  resemblance  to  those  of  turpen- 
tine. In  moderate  doses  it  stinuilatcs  the  mucous  mend)ranes,  and  liiis 
been  found  very  beneficial  in  chronic  catarrhal  atVections,  especially  those 
of  the  respiratory  tivict  and  ininary  oi'gans.  Very  lf#ge  doses  have  occa- 
sioned renal  irritation.  It  also  acts  to  some  extent  as  an  antispasmodic, 
and  has  proved  efficacious  in  spasmodic  asthma  and  in  whooping-cough, 
especially  when  complicated  Avith  bronchitis. 

Externally  the  fluid  extract  of  G.  srpiarrosa  has  been  recommended  as 
a  cure  for  rhus-poisoning,  but  the  author,  from  personal  experinuMit,  has 
become  convinced  that  it  acts  hero  merely  as  a  protective  coating  to  the 
skin  by  virtue  of  its  resin,  and  that  it  possesses  no  directly  curative  prop- 
erty. The  fluid  extract  of  the  official  species  is  (piite  as  efficacious,  as  is 
also  any  other  resinous  var-  v    '  r\ 

nish  which  has  no  acrid  prop-  ^  MJ\^<:>^^ls^ /f ' 

erties.  Such  a]  t]ilications  are, 
however,  unpkasant  to  the 
patient,  since  they  discolor 
the  skin  and  limit  the  motion 
of  the  parts  affected. 

INULA. —Elecampane. 

Inula  Helenium  LirnKj. 
— Elecampane. 

Descriptio  n. —  Heads 
large,  many-flowered,  radi- 
ate ;  rays  numerous,  in  a  sin- 
gle series,  pistillate,  some- 
times sterile  ;  disk-flowers 
tubular,  perfect.  Scales  of 
the   involucre    ind)ricate    in  Fm.  lai-muu  Heienium. 

several  series,  the  outer  broadly  ovate,  foliaceous  ;  the  inner  obovate-spatu-. 
late,  ol)tuse.  Receptacle  flat,  or  somewhat  convex,  naked.  Achenia  4- 
sided,  glabrous.     Pappus  simple,  of  capillary,  slightly  scabrous  bristles. 


178  COMPOSIT.E. 

A  stout  perennial,  3  to  5  feet  high.  Leaves  large,  velvcty-tomeutose 
heneath,  denticulate,  the  radical  ones  ovate,  tapering  to  a  petiole,  the  cau- 
line  ones  partly  clasping.  Heads  solitary  at  tln^  summit  of  corymbose  pe- 
duncles, yellow,  appearing  late  in  sunnner. 

JIabilat. — A  native  of  the  Eastern  Continent,  but  natiiralized  here, 
growing  along  roadsides  and  in  waste  places. 

.''arf  Uficd. — The  root — Uiutcd  Slalea  I'har  nacojxria 

Cvnstiluenlx. — A  little  volatile  oil,  an  acrid  resin,  a  bitter  principle, 
waxy  matter,  and  inulin,  the  last-named  being  a  substance  somewhat  re- 
sembling starch. 

Frcparaliom. — It  is  generally  administered  m  decoction,  though  there 
ai"e  commercial  extracts,  etc. 

Medical  Properties  and  d^ci*. — Elecampane  was  formerly  considered 
diaphoretic,  diuretio^^expoctorant,  and  emmenagogue,  but  at  present  it  is 
little  esteemed  except  among  the  laity.  It  is  probably  stimidant  and  tonic, 
and  given  in  hot  decoction  cajiable  of  producing  some  of  the  effects  attrib- 
uted to  it. 

AMBROSIA.— Rao-Weed. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Sterile  and  fertile  flower's  in  different  heads 
upon  the  same  plant,  the  former  in  spikes  or  racemes  and  the  latter  in  the 
axils  of  the  leaves  or  at  the  base  of  the  sterile  racemes  or  si^ilccs.  Sterile 
heads  of  5  to  20,  funnel-form,  staminate  flowers  ;  involucre  flattish  or  top- 
shai)ed,  of  7  to  12  scdes  united  into  a  cuj).  Fertile  flowers :  involucre 
globose-ovoid,  oblong  or  turbinate,  closed,  pointed,  usually  armed  with  4 
to  8  tubercles  or  horns  in  a  single  series,  1-flowered.  Achenia  ovoid  ;  paj)- 
pus  absent. 

Herbs,  or  rarely  shrubby  plants,  with  opposite  or  alternate,  lobed  or 
dissected  leaves,  and  inconspicuous  greenish  or  yellowish  flowai's. 

Ambrosia  triflda  Linm'. — Gi'eat  liag-Weed. 

Description. — Sterile  heads  in  single  or  panicled  racemes  or  spikes,  the 
involucre  regular,  3-ribbed.  Fruit  with  a  conical-pointed  apex,  G-ribbed, 
the  ribs  terminating  in  cristate  tubercles. 

Stem  stout  and  hairy,  4  to  12  feet  high.  Leaves  rough  and  hairy, 
deeply  3-lobed,  the  lobes  oval-lanceolate,  serrate,  acuminate.  An  annual, 
blooming  in  August  or  September. 

Habitat. — In  low  rich  grovmds  and  along  streams  from  Canada  to  Geor- 
gia ;tnd  westward. 

Ambrosia  artemisiaefoliaLinm'. — Bag-Weed,  Hog-Weed. 

Description. — Sterile  heads  like  the  preceding,  but  with  the  involucre 
not  ribbed.  Fertile  flowers  solitary  or  clustered  toward  the  base  of  the  sterile 
spikes  or  racemes,  or  in  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves.  Fruit  globose  or 
obovoid,  nearly  glabrous,  pointed,  armed  with  G  short  acute  spines  or 
teeth. 


HKLIANTIIUS — aUNFLOWKU.  1  7i) 

An  jinnual  l)raiu'luii<^  herb  1  to  3  foct  high,  hairy  or  roup^hiHli-pulK's- 
ceut.  LoavoH  b'  iimatilul,  the  lippeiino.st.  simply  piiinatifid,  siaoothish  or 
plabrous  above,      Aw  or  whiiiwh  bo'iioatb. 

Habitat. — In  waste  places  every  where  ;  a  niont  pestiferous  ■weed. 

Parts  Uned. — The  leaves  and  tops — not  oliicial. 

Constifucnts. — Both  species  have  a  disagvoeablo  odor  and  an  aromatic 
bitter  taste.  The  leaves  of  ^1.  trijida  are  readil}  eaten  l)y  si)me  of  the  do- 
mestic animals,  but  the  other  species  appears  to  bo  too  disa^'reeable.  Their 
constituents  have  not  been  ascertained. 

Preparations. — They  arc  commonly  used  in  decoction. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — These  plruts  are  said  to  be  stimulant, 
tonic,  and  astringent.  A  decoction  has  been  us(h1,  chiefly  in  domcf  tic  prac- 
tice, as  a  topical  astringent  in  chronic  catarrhal  atl'ections. 

Of  late  years  A.  artemiaia'fulia  has  attracted  considerable  attention  on 
account  of  its  real  or  assumed  agency  in  the  production  of  hay-fever.  The 
plant  produces  pollen  in  groat  abundance,  which  is  extremely  irritating  to 
the  air-passages  of  many  people,  and  is  callable  of  exciting  asthmatic  at- 
tacks in  Huscei)tiblo  pei'sons.  Now  as  the  weed  is  so  very  abundant,  and 
its  time  of  flowering  coincident  with  the  greatest  development  of  hay-fever, 
the  relation  of  cause  and  efltect  has  been  asserted  by  many  writers.  Tliat 
it  may  be  so  in  a  certahi  proportion  of  cases  is  cpiite  probable,  but  that  its 
influence  in  this  direction  has  been  overrated  is  still  more  probable.  The 
pollen  of  all  plants  is  irritating  to  the  air-passages  of  sensitive  people,  but 
probably  little  more  so  than  any  other  dust  of  an  oi-ganio  character  ;  and 
the  proportion  which  rag-weed  pollen  in  the  air  of  any  specitied  locality 
bears  to  that  of  all  other  plants  combined  must  be  very  small  indeed. 
Much  less  still  must  its  proportion  be  to  other  pollen  and  organic  dust 
in  the  air  of  cities,  where  this  allection  has  become  endemic — and  fashion- 
able. 

HELIANTHUS. —Sunflower. 

Helianthus  annuus  Linne. — Common  /Sunflower. 

Description. — Heads  lai'ge,  many-flowered,  radiate  ;  the  raj'S  numerous, 
neutral,  yellow ;  the  disk-flowers  brownish,  perfect.  Scales  of  the  invo- 
lucre with  foliaceous  tips,  imbricated  in  3  or  more  series.  lle(X'ptacle 
broad  and  flat,  with  persistent  chatf  which  embraces  the  4-angl'id,  flattened 
achenia.  Pappus  very  deciduous,  of  2  chafiy  scales  on  the  principal 
angles  of  the  achenium,  often  with  two  or  more  smaller  intermediate  ones. 

A  tall  rough  annual  herb,  in  common  cultivation.  Leaves  alternate, 
triple-ribbed,  ovate,  or  the  lower  cordate. 

Habitat. — The  sunflower  is  a  native  of  tropical  America,  but  has  long 
been  cultivated  here  and  is  sparingly  naturalized  in  waste  places. 

Many  of  the  indigenous  sijecies  of  helianthus  are  but  little  less  strik- 
ing than  this  in  appeai'ance,  and  possess  similar  properties. 


180  COMPOSIT.E. 

Part  Var.d. — Tlio  Rocd— not  oflRrial. 

(Joiis/ifuentH. — A  \nv<^('  percentage  of  blftiiil  fixed  oil. 

Prt'iHiraliom. — Tlio  oil. 

}fcilii'(d  Pi'opcrlwn  and  Ukuh, — Sunflowoi"  seeds  are  said  to  1)0  diuretic 
and  oxpoctoranl,  but  there  is  little  reason  for  believing  them  actively 
medicinal. 

IIELENTUM.— Snke/.k-Wkki). 

Helenium  autumnale  Linm''. — Siicc:c-Wc<-d. 

JJencriijlion. — Heads  uiany-flowertHl,  radiate  ;  the  raj'S  several,  in  a 
single  series,  11-  to  ij-cloft  at  tho  suiniuit,  fertile,  yellow,  reficxod  noon 
after  expansion.  Involucre  small,  reilexed,  the  scales  lini^ir  or  awl-shuped, 
in  2  series.  Receptacle  convex,  globose,  or  oblong,  naked.  Acheniu  .op- 
shapcnl,  ril)bed.     Pappus  of  C  to  8  inembx'anous,  1-uerved  scales. 

An  erect,  nearly  smooth  jierennial  herb.  Stem  1  to  3  feet  high,  angled, 
brariching.  Leaves  laiuieolate,  toothed,  deciiuTent  on  the  stems  and 
branclies.     Heads  corymbed,  sliowy,  api)earing  in  Septend)(>r. 

HabUal. — In  moist  places  along  streams  ;  connnon  everywhere. 

Parta  Utted. — The  leaves  and  flowers — not  official. 

CoiiiitUuent>i. — Unknown. 

PiriianUions. — Used  in  powder  or  decoction. 

Medical  Propci'lit'.-^  and  ('■■o'x. — The  common  name  of  the  plant  indicates 
the  popular  estimation  of  it.  The  jJOwdenMl  llowers  particularly  have  been 
used  as  an  errhiue,  and  a  decoction  is  said  to  be  tonic  and  diaphoretic. 

MARUTA.— May-Weed. 

Maruta  Cotula  De  Candolle. — Ufajf-Weed,  Wdd  Chamomile. 

Dei>eriplinn. — Heads  many-flowered,  radiate  ;  rays  neutral,  white,  soon 
I'eflexed  ;  disk-tlowers  tubular,  pei-fect.  Involucre  hemispherical,  the 
scales  imbricated,  shorter  than  the  disk,  with  whitish  mai'giiis.  Recepta- 
cle conical,  clially  throughout,  or  only  at  the  summit.  Achenia  obovoid, 
ribbed,  glabrous.     Pappus  none. 

An  annual,  one-half  to  one  foot  or  more  in  height.  Leaves  tripin- 
nately  divi<led,  the  ultimate  segments  very  narrowly  linear.  Heads  solitary, 
terminating  the  branches.    It  flowers  from  midsunnner  till  late  in  autumn. 

Ilulntat. — Connnon  everywhere  in  waste  places. 

Part  Used. — The  herb — formerly  official ;  it  was  drojjped  from  the 
Pharmacopoeia  in  1880. 

ConstiliientH. — Volatile  oil,  tannic,  valerianic,  and  oxalic  acids,  bitter  ex- 
tractive, etc. 

Preparnliomt. — Commonly  employed  in  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uxes. — ^[ay-weed  has  a  very  disagreeable  odor, 
and,  when  fresh,  a  bitter,  acrid  taste.  Therapeutically  it  acts  like  chamo- 
mile but  is  nauch  less  agreeable.     It  is  seldom  used  except  by  the  laity. 


ACIIILLKA YARKOW. 


181 


ANTUEAII8.— ClIAMOMILK. 


Anthemis  nobilis  Linm'. — (Ihnmomile. 

P'-scriplinii. — HcikU  iiml  HowfTiH  lis  in  mfiniffi,  rxropt,  tliaf.  tho  ravfJ  nro 
liistillato.  Actliouiii  toruto,  slriatc,  or  smootli.  l'ai)puH  nonv.,  ur  a  miimtc 
ci'own. 

A  perennial,  somewhat  downy  licil).  Loaves  1-  to  '2-piiinatcly  dividcil, 
the  uUiniat(!  Hcj^nients  as  in  niariita  hut  fewer  and  more  compact. 

Iftihi/til. — Cliamomilc,  a  iintivo  of  Europe,  has  heeii  h)n^'  cuUivated  in 
panh'uslien!,  and  has  beccimo  iiaturahzed  to  a  very  hmitcd  ext(;nt  in  New 
Jersey  and  l)(!laware. 

J'art  f'sed. — The  flowers —official  name,  Anthemis — United  States  I'har- 
macopa'ia. 

Const  it  aentx. — Volatile  oil,  a  bitter  principle,  and  common  vegetable 
constitnonts. 

/'rrpitralions. — None  arc   official.      It  is  most  commonly  employed  in 
infusion  or  decoction.     The  volatile  oil  and 
an  extract  are  official  in  IJritain. 

Medical  Pntpcrtiea  and  f'»es. — Chamomile 
is  a  mild  stimulant  and  tonic,  and  one  jnir- 
ticidarly  suited  to  debility  of  the  di^^estive 
orj^'ans.  The  warm  infusion  is  frequently 
used  as  a  diaphoretic,  and,  in  large  doses, 
ns  an  emetic.  Fomentations  of  chamomile 
are  employed  as  a  soothing  application  in 
sprains,  braises,  colic,  abscesses,  and  local 
pains  generally. 


,.-.if^ 


ACHILLEA.— YAiinow. 


■Yar- 


Achillea    Millefolium    Linm' 
row,  Milfoil. 

DeHcription. — Heads  many-flowered,  ra- 
diate ;  the  rays  4  or  5,  fertile,  white,  rarely 
rose-colored.  Involucre  oblong,  the  scales 
imbricated.  Receptacle  chaffy,  ffattish, 
Achenia  oblong,  flattened,  margined.  Pap- 
pus none. 

A    perennial   herb,    1    to   3   feet    high. 
Leaves  oblong  or  linear  in   outline,  bipin- 
nately  parted,  the  ultimate  divisions  3-  to  .5-cleft,  crowded.     Heads  in  a 
compound,  flat-topped  corymb,  appearing  throughout  the  summer. 

IJabilat. — Fields  and  waste  places  ;  everywhere  common. 

Part  Used. — The  herb — not  oiiicial. 


Fio.  13,5.— Achillea  lliUcfolium. 


182 


composi'im: 


Co)inliturnts. — A  voliitilo  oil,  a  bitter  jjiiiiciplo  termed  aihiUein,  nnd 
coiuniou  vej^ctiiblc  coiiHtitucntH. 

J't'c^tanUioiin. — Iiifiisiou,  cxpreHssd  juice,  mul  volatile  oil. 

MedU-al  J'roperlies  and  i'ncH. — Ytirrow  is  said  to  be  "luulani,  touii;,  nnd 
Hstrint^out,  and  to  exert  a  Hi)eciiil  iiifliicnco  upon  the  iiflvic  orj^iuiH.  It 
1ms  been  employed  in  di'  stive  disonlers,  in  menstrual  iire^'uliirities,  in 
heniorrbages  duo  to  rolaxoil  conditions  of  mucous  nicndjrancs,  in  catarrhal 
uH'cctious,  utc. 

TAN  ACKTUM. —Tansy. 


ff'/r^ 


Tanacetum  vulgare  Linnc.     Tun.-^i/. 

Jh'scriplioii.—  Ht'adH  many-flowored,  nearly  discoid,  all  fertile  ;  the  mar- 
ginal flowers  in  a  single  sciies,  'A-  to  4-tootlied.  Scales  of  the  involucre 
imbricated,  dry.     lloceptaclo  convex,  naked.     Achenia  angled  or  ribbed 

with  a    large    epigynoiis    tlisk. 
Pappus  minute  or  none. 

An  lierbaceous  perennial,  2 
to  3  feet  high.  Ijcaves  nearly 
glabrous,  bipinnaiely  parted, 
the  segments  cut  -  toothed. 
Heads  yellow,  in  a  dense  cor- 
ymb, appearing  in  summc.'r. 

llabUut.  —  Indigenous  to 
Europe,  but  freely  natiu'alized 
about  dwellings  and  in  waste 
places. 

I'arls  Uticd.  —  The  leaves 
nnd  tops — United  tStales  Vhar- 
macopu'ia. 

Conslititents, — A  volatile  oil, 
n  bitter  principle  teiined  tan- 
acrlin,  and  common  vegetable 
constituents. 

J^rcparatioiiti. — The  infusion 

Fio.  130.— Tnnncotiim  VulRarc.  nnd  volatile  oil. 

Medical  ProperticH. — Tansy  baa  a  peculi.tr  strong  fragrant  odor  and  a 
warm,  bitter,  somewhat  acrid  and  aromatic  taste.  It  is  commonly  em^;ioyed 
in  domestic  practice  to  stimulate  menstruation.  The  oil  appears  to  be 
largely  used  as  an  abortifacient,  and  there  are  upon  record  numerous  cases 
in  which  it  has  been  used  for  this  purpose  with  fatal  etfect.  The  bruised 
leaves  are  often  applied  locally  for  the  relief  of  colic  pains,  bruises,  sprains, 
etc.  A  spirituous  infusion  is  bometimes  employed  in  domestic  practic^e  in 
internr.itteiit  fever. 


ONArilALlUM — OUD-WKKI).  18ii 


AUTEMISIA.— WouMWOOD. 


nmracfflr  of  thn  (Imu!*. — Hcmls  indny-doworoil,  discoid  ;  flowors  nil 
tubiiliir,  tlio  in:irjj[iiiiil  ones  pistilbh^,  thou;^'li  soiuotimcH  nil  lu-o  jxtIVcI. 
Si'iik'S  of  tlio  iiivoliuiro  iinhriciitcd,  with  Hlij^htly  Hciirioiis  luiii-^'iiiH  lio- 
foptiu^lo  smuU,  naked.  Acheuia  obovutc,  rounded  or  muuow  ut  tho  top ; 
i)iil)pus  none. 

Herbs  or  shrubs,  with  snmll  heads  in  pnniclod  spikes  or  racemes  ;  flow- 
ers yellow  or  jtu'  j)lish. 

A  <^(!nu.s  eon.prisinj^,  in  North  Americu,  ii  lar^'o  number  of  .species,  tew 
cf  whi'''i,  liowevcsr,  Imvo  been  employed  medieiimlly.  All  of  them  possess, 
to  !i  gr  tor  or  less  ext(!nt,  bitter  and  aromatic  pro2)erties.  The  species 
descnooil  below,  though  not  indiy;ent)us,  well  represents  tho  medicinal 
virtuert  of  the  n'eiius. 

Artemisia  Absinthium  Llnue. —  Wormwood. 

/ffMriiilinii, — ]Miu';jfiiiiil  llowers  pistillate;  the  others  -H-rfect.  Heads 
innuerous,  densely  clustered,  hemispherical,  noddiii;^,  yellow.  Stem  some- 
what shrubby,  2  to  4  feet  higli,  branching,  silky-hoar^'.  Leaves  2-  to  3- 
pimiately  parted,  the  lobes  lanceolate,  obtuse. 

J/dhitul. — Indigoiious  to  the  Eastern  Conliueiit,  but  long  cultivated  and 
Hi)aringly  naturalized  here. 

J\irt>>  i'aed. — The  leaves  and  tops — United  Statat  Pharmacopdna. 

Const  it  uenls. — Volatile  oil,  a  bitter  princijile  termed  almintliin,  and  eoui- 
mon  vegetable  constituents  such  as  tannin,  starch,  gum,  etc. 

Pn'i>(if(itiioiH. — AVormwood  enters  into  the  official  Vinioii  Aromnticnm, 
but  there  are  no  othiual  preparations  of  the  plant  itself.  It  is  generally 
employed  in  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — "Wormwood  is  stinndatit  and  toni(\  It 
has  been  employed  chiefly  in  debility  of  the  digestive  organs,  as  atonic  and 
flatulent  dyspepsia.  The  volaiile  oil  of  wormwood  in  large  doses  produces 
great  cerebral  disturbance  with  epileptiform  convulsions,  and  maj'  even 
cause  death.  It  is  seldom  or  never  employeil  medicinally,  but  enters  into 
the  composition  of  a  Frenc^h  liipieur  called  almnthc 

Externally  fomentations  of  wormwood  are  often  used  in  bruises, 
sprains,  etc. 

GN  API!  ALIUM.  — Cui>Weed. 

Gnaphallum  polycephalum  Michaux. — Common  Everlasting. 

Description. — Heads  many-flowered,  all  tubular  ;  the  outer  pistillate, 
very  slender,  generallj  in  several  series  ;  the  central  perfect.  Scales  of  tlie 
i>'  volucro  ovate  and  oblong,  rather  obtuse,  whitish.  Receptacle  Ihit,  naked. 
Achenia  terete.     Pappus  a  single  seriea  of  rough,  capillary  bristles. 

An  erect,  woolly  herb,  1  to  2  feet  high.     Leaves  lanceolate,  tapering  at 


184  compcsityE. 

tilt!  Imso,  with  uudiilate  margins,  nearly  glabrous  above,  woollj'  tome,  j^  5 
beneath.  Heads  clustered  at  the  summit  of  the  pauioulate-corymbose 
brandies,  ovate-conical  before  expansion,  then  obovate  ;  corolla  whitish  or 
yellowish.  It  flowers  in  August  and  September,  the  mature  heads  remain- 
ing a  long  time  on  the  stem.     The  whole  plant  is  fragrant. 

Ilabitut. — In  wo(m1s  and  old  fields  ;  everywhere  common. 

l\ui>^  f'scd. — The  Howers  and  tops — not  official.. 

CuiislUunnlti, — A  bitter  principle  and  a  little  volatile  oil. 

I'lvparaliuns.— Used  in  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Said  to  be  tonic.  Used  in  catarrhal  af- 
fections. 

Several  other  indigenous  and  exotic  species  possess  similar  properties. 

ERECHTIIITES.— FiKK-WKEn. 

Erechthites  hieracifolia  Rafinesque. — Fire-Weed. 

Jjcacriplinii. — Heads  many-llowered  ;  flowers  all  tul)ular  and  fertile,  the 
oviter  pistillate,  slender,  the  inner  pcu'fect.  Scales  of  the  cylindrical  invo- 
lucre in  a  single  series,  linear,  acute,  with  a  few  bracteoles  at  the  l)ase. 
Ileceptacle  naked.  Achenia  oblong,  striate,  tapering  to  the  apex.  Pappus 
coi)ious,  of  tine  capillary  bristles. 

An  erect,  coarse,  and  often  hairy  annual,  1  to  5  feet  high.  Leaves  alter- 
nate, lanceolate-oblong,  acute,  uneqiially  and  sharply  cut-toothed,  sessile  ; 
the  upper  often  auricled  at  the  base.  Heads  corymbose  ;  Howers  whitish, 
appearing  from  July  to  September. 

Hahilid. — Common  in  recent  clearings,  often  covering  ground  which 
has  been  burned  over  almost  to  the  exchision  of  other  plants. 

Fart  Used. — The  flowering  tops — not  official. 

i7<mxti/ue))ls. — Fire-weed  has  1  peculiar  ai'omatic  and  somewhat  dis- 
agreeable odor,  and  a  pungent,  bitterish  taste.  It  yields  a  volatile  oil  of 
similar  odor  and  taste,  upon  which  its  medicinal  vii'tues  are  believed  to 
depend. 

Preparations. — Volatile  oil  and  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Fire-weed  is  said  to  be  tonic,  astringent, 
and  alterative,  and  to  exert  a  special  influence  upon  the  mucous  surfaces. 
It  has  been  highly  praised  as  a  remedy  for  dysentery. 

SENECIO.  — GiioUNDSEL . 

Senecio  aureus  Linne. — (Inlden  Ragvort,  Squaw-Weed. 

Description. — Heads  many-flowered,  radiate  ;  I'ays  8  to  12,  pistillate, 
golden  yellow ;  disk-flowers  perfect.  Scales  of  the  involucre  in  a  single 
series,  Avith  a  few  bracteoles  at  the  base.  Receptacle  flat,  naked.  Achenia 
glabrous.     Pappus  of  numerous  soft  and  slender  capillary  bristles. 


LAPPA — BURDOCK. 


185 


A  perennial  lierli,  1  to  2^  feet  high.  R;i(li'"il  leaves  orbicular  or  round- 
ish-ovate, mostly  cordate,  crenatc-serrato,  petiolate ;  the  lower  t;auliiu! 
lyrate,  the  upper  lanceolate,  cut-i)innatilid,  sessile  or  partly  clasping. 
Heads  in  an  umbel-like  corymb,  appearing  in  May  and  June.  A  very  va- 
riable species. 

Habitat. — In  swamps,  marshes,  and  wet  places  ;  common  everywhere. 

Part  C'fied. — The  entire  plant — not  official. 

(JondU  lie  Ills. — Unknown. 

rirpamtiimn. — Commonly  employed  in  decoction.  There  are  commer- 
cial fluid  extracts  and  a  so-called  senecin. 

Medical  Properties  and  Use/f. — Said  to  be  diaphoretic,  diui-etic,  tonic,  and 
emmenagogue.     Considerably  used  and  praised — by  eclectics. 

Several  other  sjiecies  of  senecio  are  said  to  possess  similar  properties. 

LAPPA.— BuuDocK. 

Lappa  officinalis  Allioni. — Burdock. 

DeacriptioH. — Heads  many-flowered;  the  flowers  all  tubular,  pei*fect, 
the  corolla  regularly  S-ch'ft,  10- 
nerved.  Involucre  globular,  the 
imbricated  scales  coriaceous  and 
ajjpressed  at  the  base,  subulate 
and  sjireading  above,  tipped 
with  a  hooked  appendage.  Ito- 
ccpiacle  flat,  flosliy,  and  some- 
what 1)ristly.  Achenia  oblong, 
compressed,  glabrous,  wrinkled 
transversel}'.  Pai)ims  of  numer- 
ous short  rough  bristles,  not 
united  at  the  base,  deciduous. 

A  coarse,  ill-scented,  bien- 
nial herb,  1  to  4  feet  high. 
Lower  leaves  v(?ry  large,  cor- 
date, slightly  undulate  on  the 
margins,  more  or  less  tomen- 
tose  beneath,  smoother  above  ; 
the  upper  ovate.  Heads  rela- 
tively small,  solitary  or  some- 
what corymbose  ;  flowers  pur- 
ple, varying  to  white,  appear- 
ing from  July  to  autumn. 

Habit  at 
where. 

Parts  Used.— The  root— United  States  Pharmacopoeia. 
also  employed,  but  are  not  official. 


}'\     '-  '^-'■'•'iff'- 


'Pia.  137— Lappa  onicinaliB. 


Introduced  from  Europe  ;   common  in  waste  places  every- 

The  seeds  oi'e 


18G 


COMPOSITiE. 


Comttituents. — Inulin,  a  bitter  principle,  and  common  vegetable  con- 
stituents. 

Prepa7'ation.% — Commonly  employed  in  decoction. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Burdock,  though  chiefly  used  by  the 
laity,  is  highly  esteemed  by  some  of  the  profession  as  a  diuretic  and  altera- 
tive. It  is,  perhaps,  more  frequent!  v  used  in  rheumatism  than  in  any 
other  disease,  but  is  also  recommended  in  chronic  cutaneous  diseases,  ca- 
tarrhal affections,  syphiUs,  and  scrofula.  In  the  form  of  an  ointment  or 
liniment  it  is  used  as  an  application  to  burns,  ulcers,  etc. 


CICHORIUM.— CmcouY. 

Cichorium  Intybus  Linn6.— C7aVor?/,  Succory. 

Dcxi  ripf  ion. —Heads  several-flowered  ;  the  flowers  all  ligulate,  perfect. 
Involucre  double,  the  inner  of  8  to  10  scales,  the  outer  of  5,  half  as  long, 

spreading.  Achenia  oblong,  smooth 
or  slightly  ribbed.  Paj^pus  of  numer- 
ous short  chaffy  scales  forming  a 
crown. 

A  branching  perennial  herb,  2 
to  3  feet  high,  with  a  large  deep  root. 
Leaves  alternate,  oblong  or  lanceolate, 
partly  clasping,  the  lo\ver  lyrately  run- 
cinate  ;  those  of  the  rigid  flowering 
branches  minute.  Heads  sessile,  2 
or  3  together,  axillary  and  terminal. 
Flowers  bright  blue  or  puri)le,  ajipear- 
ing  from  July  to  October. 

Habitat. — Indigenous  to  the  East- 
ern Continent,  but  naturalized  here, 
growing  along  roadsides  and  m  waste 
places. 

Part  Used. — The  root— not  official. 
Constituents. — Inulin,  a  bitter  prin- 
ciple, and  ordinary  vegetable  constit- 
uents. 

Preparations. — Commonly  used  in 
infusion. 
3Iedical  PropQrties  and  Uses. — Chicoi-y  is  said  to  increase  the  appetite 
and  aid  digestion.  Though  formerly  used  medicinalh',  it  is  of  importaiace 
now  merely  as  an  adulterant  of  coffee.  For  this  purpose  the  root  is  roastec; 
and  g  )und  in  the  same  manner  as  coffee,  with  which  it  is  afterward  mixed 
in  large  proportion.  When  thus  treated  chicory  in  infusion  has  a  bitter- 
ness, possibly  somewhat  resembling  that  of  coffee,  but  it  is  wholly  desti- 


Fio.  138.— Cichorinm  Intybns. 


NAB  ALUS — RATTLESNAKE-l^OOT.  187 

tute  of  tlie  aromatio  flavor  of  the  latter  ;  and,  moreover,  infusion  of  ehicory 
does  not  prodnee  the  agreeable  stimulation  of  coffee,  and  altogether  .sex'ves 
as  a  very  poor  substitute  for  it. 

HIER  ACIUM.  —Hawk-Weed. 

Hieracium  venosum  Linne. — Rattlesnake- Weed. 

Det'cription. — Heads  small,  about  20-flo\vered  ;  the  flowers  all  lij^ulate, 
perfect.  luvolacro  cylindrical,  the  inner  scales  in  a  single  series,  tlu;  outer 
few  and  short.  Achenia  linear.  Pappus  a  single  series  of  tawny,  fragile, 
and  rough  capillary  bristles. 

A  perennial  herb.  Stem  or  scape  1  to  2  feet  high,  naked  or  with  a 
single  leaf,  smooth  and  slender,  forking  above  into  a  diffuse  corymb. 
Radical  leaves  obovate  or  sj^atulate-oblong,  entire  or  obscurely  denticu- 
late, slightly  petioled,  smooth  and  pale,  often  puritlish  and  glaucous  be- 
neatli  '  'itli  purplisL-  voins,  the  margins  and  often  tlu;  under  side  of  the 
mid-         hairy.     Flowers  yellow,  appearing  from  May  to  July. 

huouat— -In  dry  soil,  es^^ecially  in  pine  regions  ;  common. 

Part  Ui^ed. — The  entii-c  plant — not  ofHcial. 

Constituents.  — Unknown. 

Preparations. — Infusion  and  expressed  juice. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Said  to  l)e  tonic,  astringent,  and  ex- 
pectorant, and  to  be  an  antidote  to  the  bites  of  poisonous  seri)ents.  Little 
of  a  positive  character  is  known  of  it. 

NAB  ALUS. — Rattlesnake-Root. 

Nabal US  al bus  Hooker. —  White  Lettuce,  Ratllesnake-lloot. 

Description. — Heads  (5-  to  12-flowered  ;  the  flowers  all  ligulato  and 
perfect.  Involucre  of  about  8  scales,  purplish.  Achenia  short,  lineai*- 
oblong,  striate.  Pajipus  copious,  of  cinnamon-coloi'ed,  rough  capillary 
bristles. 

A  perennial  herb.  Stem  smooth  and  glaucous,  2  to  4  feet  high,  corym- 
boso-panicled  at  the  summit.  Leaves  angulate  or  triangular-halberd-form, 
sinuate-toothed,  or  3-  to  5-cleft  ;  the  uppermost  oblong  and  undivided. 
Flowers  pendulous,  greenish-white  or  purplish,  appearing  in  autumn.  The 
whole  plant  abounds  in  a  milky  juice. 

Habitat. — Open  grounds  and  borders  of  woods  ;  common  in  the  North- 
ern States  and  Canada. 

Part  Used. — The  entire  plant — not  official. 

Govitituenls. — Unknown. 

Pnj^arations. — Infusion  and  expressed  juice. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — The  entire  plant  has  a  bitter  taste,  which 
is  most  intense  in  the  root.  On  this  account  it  has  been  em])loyed  as  a 
tonic  in  domestic  practice.  The  fresh  juice  is  considered  vulnerary  and  has 
been  applied  to  wounds,  especially  to  snake  bites. 


188 


LOBELIACEiE. 


TARAXACUM Dandelion. 

Taraxacum  Dens-leonis  Desfontainos. — Dandelion. 
Dei^criplion. — Heads  many-flowered  ;  flowers  all  ligulato,  perfect.     In- 
volucre double  ;  the   outer  of  small  short  scales,  rcflexed  ;  the   inner  of 


longer  erect  scales,     lleceptacle  naked. 


Achenia  terete,  oblong,  ribbed, 
the  apex  jirolonged  into  a  slen- 
der beak.  Pai)puH  copious,  of 
long,  white,  cajiillary  bristles. 
A  biennial  or  jierennial 
herb,  with  a  long,  deep  root. 
Leaves  all  radical,  oblong  or 
lanceolate,  nearly  entire,  or 
sinuate-toothed  or  runcinate. 
Scapes  slender,  hollow,  bearing 
a  single  head  of  yellow  flow- 
ers. It  blooms  throughout  the 
spring  and  sunnner. 

J/uhilat. — Common    every- 
where. 

J 'art.    rsed.  —  Thc    root— 
United  States  Pharmacopoeia. 

Co7istituenls. — Abittev  prin- 
ciple termed  turaxacin,  inulin, 
resin,  sa(!cliarine  matter,  and 
common  vegetable  constitu- 
ents. 

Preparations.  —  Extractum 
taraxaci  —  extract  of  taraxa- 
cum ;  extractum  taraxaci  flu- 
idum— fluid  extract  of  taraxacum. —  United  Stales  Pharmacopma.  The  ex- 
pressed juice  and  decoction  are  also  employed. 

Medical  Projierties  and  Uses. — Taraxacum  is  slightly  tonic,  diuretic,  and 
aperient.  It  is  supposed  to  act  especially  upon  the  liver,  and  is  used  chiefly 
in  dyspepsia  associated  with  torpor  of  this  organ. 


Fio.  130. — Taraxacum  Dens  IConia. 


LOBELIACE>E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Herbs,  with  milky  juice,  and  alternate,  exstip- 
ulate  leaves.  Calyx  adherent  to  the  ovary,  commonly  5  lobed.  Corolla 
irregularly  5-lobed,  often  deeply  cleft.  Stamens  5,  free  fi'om  the  corolla, 
and  united  into  a  tube,  commonly  by  their  filaments,  but  always  by  their 
anthers.  Style  1 ;  stigma  often  fringed.  Fruit  capsular,  1-  or  more-celled, 
opening  at  the  top  ;  seeds  numerous. 


LOBELIA. 


ISl) 


An  order  comprisinj::^  many  plants  possessed  of  acrid  and  narcotic  prop- 
erties,    lleprcseutod  in  >iortli  America  by  tlio  genus 


LOBELIA. 

Character  of  fho.  Oenm^. — Calyx  5-cleft,  witli  a  short,  variously  shaped 
tube.  Corolla-tnbe  slit  along  the  upi)er  side  ;•  the  liinl)  divided  into  '2 
lips,  the  ni)per  Avitli  2  erect  lobes,  the  lower  s^jreading,  3-cl(ft.  Two  of 
the  anthers  bearded  at  the  top.  Pod  2-celled,  many-seeded.  Annual  or 
perennial  herbs.     Flowers  axillary  or  in  bractcd  racemes. 

Lobelia  inflata  Linne. — fndkm  Tobacco. 

JJcscrijilion. — Calyx"  ■without  auricles  at  the  sinuses.  Corolla  small,  pale 
blue.     Pod  inflated. 

An  annual  or  biennial  herb.  Stem  angled  or  striate,  paniculately 
branched,  9  to  18  inches  high,  pubes- 
«  cent.  Leaves  ovate  or  oblong,  the 
iil>per  ones  diminishing  into  leaf-like 
bracts.  Flowers  small,  in  racemose 
spikes,  appearing  from  midsummer 
to  autumn. 

Jfabi'aL  —  Common  along  road- 
sides and  in  old  fields,  generally  in 
dry  soil. 

Lobelia  syphilitica  Linne. — 
Gi'cat  Lobelia. 

Description. — Cilyx  hairy,  Inlf 
the  length  of  the  corolla,  the  sinuses 
auriculate,  its  tube  hemispherical. 
Corolla  much  larg'cr  than  in  the  pre- 
ceding species,  blue,  varying  to  white. 

A  perennial  herb.  Stem  simple, 
1  to  3  feet  high,  somewhat  hairy, 
leafy  to  the  top.  Loaves  thin,  acute 
at  both  ends,  irregularly  serrate. 
Flowers  crowded  in  a  dense  spike  or 
raceme,  appearing  late  in  smnmer. 

Habitat. — In  moist  places  ;  common. 

Lobelia  cardinalis  Linne. —  Cardinal  Flonrr. 

Description. — Flowers  similar  in  form  to  the  preceding  but  of  an  in- 
tense scarlet  coloi*. 

A  perenniid  herb.  Stem  smooth  or  slightly  pubescent,  simple,  2  to 
4  feet  high.  Leaves  lanceolate,  denticulate.  Flowers  showy,  in  an  elon- 
gated, somewhat  one-sided  raceme,  appearing  lato  in  summer. 

Habitat. — In  swampy  places  ;  common. 


Fig.  MO.—LobcUa  syphilitica. 


lUO  EIJICACE/E. 

Of  tlio  tlivco  spooios  (lo?!cribc(I  ubove,  the  first-i.iiinod  in  I  lie  only  one 
Avhifh  is  mediciually  importaut.  Tljo  otlierH,  thoiiyh  Ktrildugly  bouutit'ul, 
L.  cardiiiiilis  ospccially  ho,  aro  of  little  iutorost. 

Paris  Used. — The  leaves  and  tops  of  L.  iuflata — United  Slates  .Pharma- 
copoiia. 

Const  it  Heuts. — Lobelia  has  an  acrid  and  iiTitatinf:^  taste,  Homewhat  rt  • 
Kombling  that  of  tobacco,  and  a  sliglitly  irritatin;^'  odor  wiion  bruised  or 
powdered.  It  contains  an  odorous  volatile  principle,  a  i^'cndiar  alkaloid, 
termed  lobeline,  lobelie  acid,  and  coi'inion  vegetable  principles. 

J'rqjaralions. — Acetuni  lobeliie — vmegarof  lobelia;  extractuni  lobeliic 
lluiduin — tluid  extract  of  lobelia  ;  tinctura  lobeliie— tincture  of  loljelia, 
—  United  Stales  rhnt'macopann. 

Aledical  I'roperticsan/I  Uses. — In  full  doses  lobelia  produces  severe  nau- 
sea, obstinate  vomiting,  and  great  prostration.  lu  overdoses  the  pros- 
tration becomes  extreme,  there  is  failure  of  voluntary  motion,  followed  by 
stupor,  coma,  and  not  iinfreqnently  convulsions  and  death.  Though  for-, 
mcrly  much  used  for  emetic  eifect  by  empu'ics,  dangerous  eflfects  were  so 
often  produced  that  it  is  now  soldoni  employed  in  this  manner.  It  is 
chieily  employed  in  spasmodic  ail'ections  of  the  air-passages,  as  spasmodic 
laryngitis  and  spasmodic  asthma.  In  the  latter  disease  it  often  produces 
the  happiest  efi'ects. 

ERICACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Shrubs,  rarely  herbs,  with  opposite,  alternate 
or  whorled,  commonly  evergreen  leaves.  Flowers  regular  or  nearly  so  ; 
calyx  4-  to  .'j-lobed,  free  or  adherent  to  the  ovary  ;  corolla  4-  to  S-lobed, 
rarely  with  distinct  jictals  ;  stamens  as  many  or  twice  as  many  as  the  lobes 
of  the  corolla,  free  from  but  inserted  with  it ;  anthers  2-celled,  commonly 
appendaged  or  opening  by  tenninal  chinks  or  pores  ;  style  1 ;  ovary  3-  to 
10-cclled.     Fruit  various. 

A  large  order,  comprising  many  plants  of  n^edicinal  and  economic  im- 
portance. Of  the  medicinal  species,  some  possess  valuable  diuretic  prop- 
erties, others  aro  more  or  less  poisonous,  and  their  therapeutic  applications 
are  not  yet  definitely  known,  so  that,  in  the  present  state  of  science,  it  is 
not  possible  to  formidate,  in  general  terms,  the  medicinal  in'ojiertics  of  the 
order  as  a  whole. 

As  represented  in  North  America;  the  order  comprises  four  well-marked 
sub-orders,  namely  : 

VaCCINIE/E — ErICINE/K — PyROLE.E— MoNOTUOPEiB, 

the  second  and  third  alone  comprising  medicinal  species. 


AltrTOSTAPIIYLOS — BEArvBElIIlY. 


W 


SUB-OUDKU  ERICINR/K. 


Character  of  the  Suh-Order. — Caly*  free  from  the  ovary.     Corolla  niono- 
petalous  or  sometimes  polypotulous,  hypogynous.     Shrubs  or  small  trees. 


ARCTOSTAPIIYLOS.— BRAKnrnRY. 

Arctostaphylos  Uva-ursi  Spreugel. — Uva-nrfti,  Benrherr;/. 

Description. — Calyx  G-parted,  persistent,  the  lobes  roundish.  Corolla 
ovate,  urn-shaped,  rose-color,  pellucid  at  the  base,  hairy  inside,  >vith  u 
short,  aouto,  recurved  teeth. 
Stamens  10,  included  ;  anthers 
large,  with  2  pores  at  the  sum- 
mit, laterally  2-awned,  the 
awns  reilexed.  Ovary  sur- 
rounded with  3  fleshy  scales. 
I'ruit  drupaceous,  depressed- 
globose,  the  size  of  a  large  pea, 
red,  with  a  meal}'  insipid  jiulp, 
*-nd  containing  5  seeddike 
nuts. 

A  small  trailing  shrub. 
Hoot  thick,  wood}',  creeping. 
Stems  numerous,  ti'ailing  and 
spreading,  the  sterile  branches 
often  2  to  3  feet  long.  Leaves 
evergreen,  scattered,  cuneate- 
obovate,  three-fourths  of  an 
inch  long,  variable  in  breadth, 
entire,  coriaceous,  shining. 
Flowers  droopiufj:  in  small 
terminal  racemes,  appearing 
in  April  and  jNIay. 

Habilal. — Dry  sandy  soils,  rocks  and  bare  hills,  from  New  Jersey  to 
Wisconsin  and  northward.     Found  also  in  Northern  Europe  and  Asia. 

Parts  Used. — The  leaves— official  name,  Vva-ursi— Cn it ed  Slate.^  I'liar- 
macopceia. 

Oniditnents. — Tlu'ee  crystalline  j^rinciples,  namely,  arhuli)),  erirnli.n.  and 
ursolic,  have  bern  found  in  uva-ursi  and  in  other  ericaceous  plants.  In 
addition  to  these  principles  there  occur  gallic  and  tannic  acids  and  other 
connnon  vegetable  constituents. 

Preparations. — Extractum  uv?e-ursi  fluidum — fluid  extract  of  uva-ursi. 
—  United  States  Pharmacoptaia.  In  many  cases  the  di'ug  is  best  adminis 
tered  in  infusion. 


Pro.  141. — Arctostaphylos  Uva-ursi. 


102  KRICACE^. 

Mt'diral  Properties  and  Usm. — Uva-ursi  is  astrinpfont  and  tonic,  and  ia 
gonemlly  credited  with  a  Kpec.'itic  action  upon  the  urinary  tract.  In  a  con- 
dition of  hcultli  it  produces  no  diuretic  eiT'ect,  thouf^h  it  is  said  to  do  so  in 
c(>rtiiin  cases  of  disease  During  its  administration  tlie  urine  ac(|uires  a 
dark  color  and  a  pe<;uli.u*  odor.  It  is  cliielly  used  in  chronic  urinary  dis- 
eases, as  jiyehtis  and  cj'sti'is,  calculous  aftections,  jjjleet,  and  incontinence 
of  urine.  It  has  also  been  used  advantafreously  in  leucorrlmni,  diarrhcea, 
chronic  bronchitis,  and  in  passive  hcmorrha<3'es. 

EPICRA.— Thatmno  AniJUTUs. 

Epigaea  repens  Linno. — Trailinrj  Arbutus,  Ground  Laurel,  May- 
I'loivcr. 

Dcxrrvpliov. — Calyx  deeply  5-parted,  colored,  -with  three  bracts  at  tlie 
base  ;  the  lobes  ovate,  acute,  smooth.  Corolla  tubular,  salv(!r-i'orin,  rose- 
color  or  nearly  Avhite,  the  limb  5-parted,  somewhat  sineadinji; ;  the  lobes 
ovate,  obtuse,  very  hairy  inside  toward  the  base.  Stamens  10,  shorter 
than  the  corolla  ;  tilanienta  hairy  at  the  base  ;  anthers  linear,  opening  longi- 
tudinally. Style  straight  ;  stigma  obtusely  S-lobed.  Capsule  d(>pressed- 
globular,  obtusely  5-angled,  5-celled,  many-seeded,  covered  with  the  per- 
sistent calyx. 

A  prostrate  or  trailing  shrubby  perennial.  Stem  woody,  spreading  on 
the  groiuid,  and  often  rooting  at  the  joints,  clothed,  as  are  the  petioles  also, 
with  stiff  l)rownish  hairs.  Leaves  evergreen,  coriaceous,  1  to  2  inches  long, 
cordate-ovate,  entire,  obtuse  or  with  a  short  mucronate  jioint,  sprinlcled  or 
fringed  with  hairs.  Flowers  in  short  dense  axillary  anil  terminal  fascicu- 
late racemes,  conspicuously  bracteate,  very  fragrant  and  ornamental,  ap- 
l)earing  in  April  and  May. 

Hatntat. — In  dry  sandy  woods,  and  on  hill-sides,  especially  in  pine  re- 
gions. 

Part  Uxrd. — Tiie  leaves — not  official. 

Constituents. — Similar  to,  if  not  identical  with  those  of  uva-ursi,  which 
see. 

Preparations. — Decoction  and  infusion. 

Medical  Propertier,  and  Uses. — This  plant  has  been  used  as  a  substitute 
for  uva-ursi,  and,  it  is  claimed,  with  satisfactory  results. 

G AULTHERI A.  —A  uom atic  Winteiigreen. 

Gaultheria  procumbensLinne. —  Wintergreen,  Fart  ridge-Berry,  Tea- 
Perry,  ('herkerberry. 

Desrrij^tion. — Cah^x  5-lobed,  becoming  fleshy  and  baccate,  and  then  cov- 
ering the  capsule.  Corolla  cylindrical-ovoid,  white,  5-toothed.  Stamens 
10,  shorter  than  the  corolla  ;  anthers  2  lobed,  opening  longitudinally,  2- 


AN  DUO. Mi:  DA.  ID.'J 

awnod  ftt  tlio  sun  unit.  Stylo  liliform  ;  stip^nm  nndividod,  obtuse.  Ciip- 
sule  deproHscd-j^loIjuIiir,  5-colled,  mauy-secilod,  coinplotoly  euclosed  in  ii 
livrj,'f!  rod,  biTiy-liko  calyx. 

A  small,  ('rc('i)inp;",  shrubby,  or  almosfc  horbac'cous  porcnnial.  Stem 
crcopin<^  oxtcnsivoly  just  bcni-atli  the  surface  of  the;  yiound,  and  scndiii|^ 
up  erect  branches  3  to  5  iimhes  hi;^'h.  Leaves  nlternate,  everf^rocn, 
coriaceous,  1  inch  lon^,  obovate,  cuneate  at  the  base,  remotely  and  seta- 
ceously  denticulate!,  3  to  (5  placed  near  the  sununit  of  each  branch.  Flowers 
axillary,  on  pedicels  nearly  half  an  inch  Ion;,',  with  2  bracti'oles  near  the 
flower,  mostly  solitary,  nodding,  appearing  in  summer.  Fruit  edible,  but 
rather  dry. 

Ilabilal. — In  woods,  and  rather  dry  sandy  swamps;  conunon. 

Part  Used.     l^\\f  leaves — Cinled  States  Pharmacopd'ia. 

C())is/ilitciil><.—T\n'iv  most  important  constituent  is  a  highly  aromatin 
volatile  oil  ;  tlioy  also  contain  taimiu,  and  the  crystalline  principle  found 
in  uva-ursi,  which  s(;e. 

Freparatiom. — Oleuiu  gaultheriio— oil  of  gaulthoria  {oil  of  ivintcrfjrem). 
Spiritus  gaultheriic — spirit  of  gaulthoria  (tr.sse»c'e  (*/'  icintergreen). — United 
Stales  I'harmacopa'ia. 

Medieal  Propcrlies  and  I'srs. — Until  recently,  wintcrgreen  was  usetl 
only  as  an  aromatic  stinuilant,  or  as  a  llavoring  agent.  Since  the  introduc- 
tion of  salicylic  acid  as  a  remedy  for  rheumatism,  however,  the  oil  of  win- 
tergreon,  which  contains  a  largo  i)ercentage  of  tills  iicid,  has  been  used 
medicinally  in  the  same  disease.  In  some  cases  the  results  have  been  grat- 
ifying, but.  in  general,  the  acid  itself,  or  some  of  its  salts,  are  much  moro 
oilicient.  From  a  somewhat  limittjd  experienco,  the  author  finds  tliat  fre- 
quent doses  of  the  oil  often  become  insupportable,  owing  to  its  high  flavor, 
anil  hence  he  has  found  it  difticult  to  persist  in  the  use  of  the  remedy  long 
enough  to  secure  permanent  curative  effects. 

ANDROMEDA. 

Andromeda  Mariana  Linne. — Stafjger-Bush. 

Description. — Calyx  deeply  .'i-partod,  the  segments  acute.  Corolla 
ovoid-cylindrical,  about  one-half  inch  long,  white,  or  pale-rose  coloi-,  .5- 
cleft.  Stiuuons  10  ;  filaments  linear,  lanceolate,  doubly  recurved,  hairy  ; 
antliors  oblong,  awnless,  the  colls  oj^oning  by  a  largo  oblicpio  terminal  ori- 
fice. Style  shorter  than  the  corolla,  tapering  ;  stigma  obscurely  lobed. 
Capsule  conical,  somewhat  contracted  at  the  base,  .'j-cellcd,  5-anglod, 
many-seeded  ;  the  sutures  very  prominent,  at  length  sop;) rating  from  the 
valves. 

A  shrub  2  to  3  feet  high,  with  a  few  erect  branches ;  bark  gray,  sprin- 
kled witli  black  dots.  Leaves  2  to  3  inches  long,  oval  or  ol)l()ng,  often 
obtuse  at  the  apex,  acute  at  the  base,  entire,  coriaceous,  sprinkled  with 
13 


10-4  ERICACE.K. 

bluck  dots  undcrncntlj,  dceidiKnis.  I'Iowovh  large  and  showy,  nodding, 
from  axilliiry  Hoiily  biidH,  often  forming  elongated  racemes  ;  the  fascicles 
4-  to  l()-llo\v('r(  (1  ;  tlicy  iipiicar  in  June  and  Jnly. 

llabital. — In  low  sandy  soil,  from  llliodo  Island  southward,  along  the 
coast. 

This,  and  some  other  indigenous  sj^ecics  of  andromeda,  are  said  to  be 
poisonous  to  land)S  and  calves,  i)rodu(;ing  symptoms  termed  stafjfjers.  The 
jtlaiitH  iiro  interesting  from  this  fact,  and  from  their  being  apparently  anal- 
ogous to  KuUnia,  which  see, 

OXYDENDllON.— SouuEn  Tube. 

Oxydendron  arboreum  De  CandoUe  {Andromeda  arhorea  Linne). — 

SoD'i'l  J'ri'i;  Suit)'  Wood. 

JJn/icnption. — Calyx  without  l)ractlets,  very  deeply  5-cleft,  the  segmcnta 
valvate  in  the  bud.  Corolla  ovate,  5-toothed  puberulcnt.  Stamens  10  ;  an- 
thers lineal',  awnless ;  the  cells  tapering  upward,  and  opening  by  a  long 
chink.     Capsule  ol)loiig-pyi'amidal,  5-celled,  5-valved,  many-seeded. 

A  tree  15  to  50  feet  high.  Leaves  alternate!,  ol)l(»ng-lanceolate,  reumi- 
nate,  seri'ulate,  at  tir.st  downy,  then  smooth,  on  slender  petioles,  deciduous. 
FlowiU's  in  long  one-sided  racemes,  clustered  in  an  open  panicle,  terminat- 
ing the  branches  of  the  season  ;  they  appear  in  June  and  July. 

llnhital. — In  rich  woods  from  Pennsylvania  to  Georgia  and  Avestwai'd. 
Though  ('omn)only  u  small  tree,  ]\[iehaux  states  that  in  the  fertile  valleys  at 
the  foot  of  the  lofty  mountains  of  North  Carolina  he  measured  specimens 
which  were  50  feet  high  and  12  or  15  inches  in  diameter. 

Part  Used. — The  leaves — not  official. 

ConstUueids. — Unknown. 

Frcpnndunifi. — Infusion  and  decoction. 

Medival  Properties  and  f^ses. — The  leaves  of  this  tree  have  a  pleasant 
acidulous  taste,  and  are  said  to  be  tonic,  ref^'  "craut,  and  diuretic.  They 
are  used  in  doriiestic  i^rac^tice,  i)i  the  form  .  infusion  or  decoc'ion,  as  a 
refrigerant  drink  in  fevers. 

KALMIA. — American  Lauuel. 

Kalmia  latifolia  Linne. — (hJicolinxh,  Mountain  Laurel,  Spoon-Wood. 

Deseription. — Calyx  small,  5-parted,  persistent,  with  oval,  acute  seg- 
ments. Corolla-tube  short,  cylindrical,  the  limb  spreading,  and  terminating 
in  an  erect,  5-parted  margin.  Stamens  10  ;  anthers  lodged  in  dcin-essions 
in  the  corolla  in  such  a  manner  that  as  the  flower  exjjands  the  filaments 
are  bent  strongly  outward  ;  when  tlie  flower  is  fully  expanded  the  anthers 
are  releastnl,  and  the  filaments  recoil  elastically,  throwing  the  anthers  over 
upon  the  stigma.     Pod  globose,  S-valved,  5-cellcd,  many-seeded. 


KALMIA — AMKUICAN    LAlIiKL.  lU.I 

An  evergreen  shrub,  4  to  20  foot  lii}j;b.  Louvoh  nioHtly  ultoruato,  cori- 
nceouH,  Ijright  greou  both  sidoH,  ovato-l.uiceohito  or  elliptioiil,  tiiporiiig  to 
eacli  end,  pctiolcd.  Flowers  very  showy,  in  tornunal,  numy-tlowereil,  uni- 
bol-liko  forynibs,  varying  Ironi  deep  rose-color  to  nearly  white  ;  thoy  aj)- 
pcar  in  IMay  and  June. 

y/(i/^(7r//.  -Canada  to  Florida  and  westward;  in  the;  Xortliorn  States  ti 
low  shrnl),  farther  south  it  is  larger,  and  often  i'cjrius  very  dense  thickets. 

J'art  Cavxl — The  leaves — not  olKcial. 

Conxtiliii'iits. — Analysis,  as  yet,  has  thrown  little  light  upon  the  snp- 
l)Osed  properties  of  this  plant.  Besides  the  ordinary  [(rineiple  of  plants, 
there  have  been  found  in  it  an  acrid  principle,  and  (irliiUin,  the  hitter  one 
of  the  conslil  H-nts  of  uva-ursi,  and  other  ericaceous  plunts. 

PreparufioHx. — Kahnia  imparts  its  virtues  to  boiling  water  and  uknihol; 
it  may  be  administered  in  decoction  or  tincture. 

Mcdii-al  J'ropi'iiics  and  Uses. — The  leaves  of  the  i)lant  ns  also  those 
of  Kahiiiii  angustifolia  {Sha'p-Ldiircl,  Lni)th-/,'ill)  are  said  to  be  poisonous 
to  sheep  und  calves  ;  and  cases  are  reported  of  men  being  jjoisoned  by 
eating  the  llesh  of  partridges  whi(.'h  had  fed  upon  the  buds  autl  berries. 
On  tho  other  hand,  "Wilson,  the  ornithologist,  ate  freely  of  the  flesh  of  such 
birds  without  any  ill  elVect  whatcv(;r  ;  and  deer  feed  upon  tho  leaves  in 
winter,  not  only  witliout  ill  eft'ect  upon  themselvcis,  but  also  without  ren- 
dering tlieir  llesh  unwholesome  to  man.  And  yet  the  common  oiunion  is 
that  the  leaves  are  very  poisonous.  Tho  writer  himself  was  cautioned  by 
an  old  Massachusetts  farmer  against  meddling  with  A'.  anrjiiMi folia  because 
of  its  j)oisouous  nature  ;  disregarding  the  advice,  he  ate  several  leaves  in 
the  presence  of  the  farmer,  without,  however,  convincing  the  latter,  not- 
withstanding no  ill  eiVectH  were  experienced.  •  That  persons  have  been  poi- 
soned seriously  l)y  eating  the  llesh  oi  partridges  in  winter  cannot  be  de- 
nied ;  that  these  birds  may  have  fed  upon  kalmia  buds  and  berries  is  also 
probable,  but  that  their  tlesli  is  thus  rendered  poisonous  does  not  seem  as 
yet  fully  established.  Some  experimenters  have  reported  elTfects  produced 
in  their  own  persons  by  strong  decoctions  of  the  leaves,  similar  to  those  of 
partridge  poisoning  ;  others  quite  as  worthy  of  credence  have  failed  to 
observe  any  sensible  elVect  from  them.  Taking  those  contradictory  s'^ate- 
ments  in  connection  with  the  negative  results  of  the  chemical  analyses  thus 
far  made,  one  may  reasonably  conclude  either  that  the  poisonous  charactter 
of  these  plants  has  been  greatly  exaggerated,  or  that  the  energy  of  the 
poison,  wliatever  it  may  bo,  is  greatly  intluenced  by  the  personal  idiosyn- 
crasy of  the  individual  experimented  with. 

RogardinL--  the  therapeutic  application  of  kalmia,  there  exists  the  same 
confusion.  It  is  said  to  be  "  antisyphilitic,  sedative  to  the  heart,  and  some- 
what astringent."  How  truly  antisyphilitic  it  is  may  be  conjectured  from 
the  following  case  reported  by  King :  "  Some  time  since  I  treated  a  case 
of  syphilis  of  five  weeks'  standing,  which  had  not  received  any  kind  of 


100  KUICACE.'E. 

troiitinent  iliiritif^  tlint  period.  Tlio  pulicnt,  ni  Ui(>  time  I  (irst  snw  him, 
liiul  HCiveral  clmucroH,  tlw  Hurfaco  of  tin*  liody  iind  hciitl  was  covcnMl  with 
HiiiiiU  vvi]  piinploH,  t'U)Viit(.'(l  ubovo  n  jiuuKhccd  wkin,  iiiid  ho  was  in  a  very 
(h-bilitatcd  coikHHoh.  I  aihiiiiiiHlcrcd  a  Haturalcd  tiiictjiro  of  tlu-  h'avcH  of 
kaliiiia,  and  toiiclicd  Hie  chaiid'cs  witli  a  tinctiiic  of  iimriatc  of  iron,  and 
ellli'(^t('d  a  ciiro  in  four  wcckH,  rt-niovin;^'  tlic  jauinUct!  at  tlic  .sanif  time." 

The  bnuHod  U'aves,  and  a  dococtiou  have  been  uwed  topically  in  Homo 
skin  diseases  with  asserted  benefit. 

It  would  seem  from  the  fore^oiiif,'  that  there  is  mueli  uneertainty  in  wliat 
has  been  wi-itten  of  kalmia,  from  the  (ime  of  Kalm  to  the  present  day,  luid 
that  the  plant  requires  further  investigation. 

IiEI)UM.--LAnuAr)(>u  Tka. 

Ledum  latifolium  Alton. — Labrador  Tea. 

iJrscriplion. — Calyx  n-tootho  I,  very  r.midl.  Corolla  :  petals  5,  obovate, 
spreadinj>[,  distinct.  Stamens  5,  occasionally  0  or  7  ;  anthers  ojx'ninj,'  by 
terminal  pores.  I'od  oblony,  5-celled,  many-seeded,  splitting  from  beh)W 
ujjward. 

A  shrub  2  to  5  feet  high.  Leaves  alternate,  elliptical  or  oblong,  entire, 
the  margins  n-volute,  rusty-woolly  beneath,  cori  uteous,  persist,((nt.  Flowei'S 
white,  smill,  in  terminal  umb.'l  like  clusters,  from  larg(!  scaly  buds,  a]> 
poaring  in  June. 

IfahUat. — In  cold  bogs  and  mountain  woods  from  Pennsylvania  to  AVia- 
cousin  and  northward. 

Ledum  palustre  Linno. — Mm-sh  Tea. 

Dt',i<cripU(n}. — Like  the  preceding,  but  with  uniformly  10  stamens,  oval 
pods,  and  linear  leaves. 

IIaI)itat. — In  swamps  nnd  wet  places  in  British  North  America,  and  also 
in  northern  Europe  and  Asia, 

Farl)i  Used. — The  leaves  of  both  species — not  official. 

OonstUueiits. — The  leaves  of  marsh  tea  have  a  balsamic  odor,  and  an 
aromatic,  camphoracoous,  bitter  taste  ;  they  contain  a  i)eculiar  tannin, 
termed /tv/i7K/i;(tV' acif/,  and  a  pungent  aromatic  volatile  oil,  besides  com- 
mon constituents  of  plants.  The  constituents  of  Labrador  tea  are  sup- 
posed to  bo  similar. 

.Prcparntionn. — Commonly  used  in  decoction. 

Mcdind  ProperficH  and  Unex. — Mu'sh  tea  is  said  to  be  acro-narcotic, 
jiroducing,  in  large  doses,  headache,  restlessness,  dilatation  of  the  pu2)il, 
and  a  sort  of  intoxication,  accompanied  witli  increased  secretion  of  urine, 
saliva,  and  perspiration.  Its  sphere  of  therapeutic  application  is  not 
definitely  settled,  though  it  has  been  used  in  spasmodic  croup,  whooping- 
cough,  gout,  rheumatism,  and  various  skin  diseases.  A  strong  decoction 
is  used  externally  to  destroy  cutaneous  parasites  in  domestic  animals,  and. 
the  fresh  leaves  are  placed  in  woollen  cloths  to  protect  them  against  moths. 


CIIIMAIMIILA — PIPSISSKWA.  11)7 

Labrador  tea  fippparw  to  bo  loss  urtivo  than  tlio  otli(>r  spoficH,  Imt 
otliorwiso  not  (UlVrniit  t'l-oii:  it.  It,  is  aaicl  to  have  buou  iwinl  ilurinj^  the 
llovulution  ii8  u  Bubstittito  foi*  tea. 

CHIMAl'IIILA.— Pii'HiMrtKWA. 

Chimaphila  umbellata  Nut  tall  — /V//ur'.><  Pine,  Pipst'usnra. 

J)i;.<('n)ihi>ii. — C.ily\  a  p.uUil,  Inu  i'l'oiii  tlic  ovarv,  piir.sistoiit.  Corolla: 
petals  5,  concave,  orbicular,  widcly-Hpreadiut,',  distinct.  Stamens  10  ;  lil- 
ttuients  enlarj^dd  and  hiiry  in  the  middle  ;  anthers  more  or  less  2-horiu'd 
lit  the  baH(!,  which,  by  inversion,  becomes  the  apparent  apex.  Styles  very 
short,  invev.-iely  (ionical,  nearly  immers(Hl  in  the  depressed  summit  of  the 
jflobular  ovary  ;  stijjfma  disk-shaped,  the  border  5-crinate.  I'od  depressed- 
globular,  fi-celled,  i")-v;dved,  splitlin;^  from  the  apex  <lo\vn\vard. 

A  low,  nearly  herijuceous,  evergreen  plant,  with  long  ruiuiing  under- 
ground stems,  and  short,  ascending,  leafy  braiKihes,  4  to  10  inches  high. 
Le,  .  '38  evergreen,  thick  and  shining,  cuneatedanceolate,  acute  at  the  base, 
sharply  serrate,  whorled  or  scattered.  Flowers  white  cu"  purplisli,  fra- 
grant, coryndied  or  luubc^lled  on  a  terminal  jjeduncle,  appearing  in  June. 

ILihitdl. — In  dry  woods  ;  conjmon. 

Chimaphila  maculata  Pursh. — Spotted  Wintenjreen. 

Dene  •iplion. — Headily  distinguished  from  the  preceding  by  its  leaves 
alone,  which  are  ovate-lanceolate,  obtuse  at  the  base,  remotely  toothed,  and 
have  the  upper  surface;  variegated  wi'h  white. 

Uabllut. — Dry  woods  ;  less  connnon  than  the  preceding. 
Part  Uiml. — Tlie  leaves  of  C  nmbellata — Uiuted  StalfK  Pliarmacopw.ia. 

CoN.s7t/aej</.s.  ~-Cliemi(!al  analysis,  as  yet,  has  thrown  little  light  upon 
the  therapeutic,  activity  of  chimaphila.  Besides  the  common  eonstituei  ^s 
of  plants  there  have  been  foiuid  in  it  a  i)ecu];ar  crystalline  substance, 
termed  chhiKipliHiii,  which,  however,  does  not  ai)peiv''  to  be  the  active  prin- 
ciple ;  the  latter  has  not  been  isolated. 

JVeparalions. — Extractum  chimaphiLe  tluidum — fluid  extract  of  chi- 
maphila.—  United  Stales  l'harmaco2)(xia.  A  decoction  is  also  elKcient  and 
sometimes  preferable. 

Medical  Propniie.-<  and  f^(!.s. — Cliimaphila,  in  its  action,  closely  resem- 
bles uva-ursi,  and  is  used  for  like  purpO!::'^s.  Its  tonic  properties  are  saiil 
to  render  it  especially  u.seful  in  scrofulous  aftections.  Like  uva  ursi  it  is 
beneficial  hi  cltronic  affections  of  the  urinary  organs.  C.  maculata  is  said 
to  resemble  it  both  in  constituents  and  in  therapeutic  activity. 

AQUIFOLIACEiC. 

Character  of  the  Order.  — Shrubs  or  trees  with  simple,  mostly  alternate 
leaves,  and  4-  to  8-raerous  flowers.  Stamens  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the 
corolla,  alternate  with  them,  and  inserted  upon  their  base.     Ovary  free, 


198  AQUIFOLIACE^. 

fonuiii}^',  ill  fruit,  a  i-  to  8-sceded  drupe  ;  stigmas  4  to  8,  or  united  into 
one,  nearly  sessile. 

A  small  and  comparatively  unimportant  order.  In  general,  plants  of 
this  order  ai'e  possessed  of  emetic  properties. 

ILEX.— Holly. 

Charade)'  of  the  Gcwis. — Calyx  -i-  to  G-toothed.  Corolla  :  petals  4  to  G, 
separate  or  united  at  the  base.  Stamens  4  to  (5,  alternate  with  the  petals. 
Ovary  4-  to  G-celled  ;  stigmas  sessile.  Fruit  a  berr^^-like  drupe  with  4  t'^  6 
seed-like  nutlets.  Shrubs  or  trees  with  simple,  mostly  alternate  leaves. 
Flowers  more  or  less  dia;ciously  polygamous. 

Ilex  opaca  Aitou. — Auwrimn  J/nll;/. 

Jh'.iciiplloii. — Farts  of  tluwer  commonly  in  fours.  Fruit  red,  its  luitlets 
ribbed  and  veiny. 

A  tree  20  to  40  feet  higl..  Leaves  evergreen,  oval,  flat,  the  wavy 
margins  with  scattered  s^nny  teeth.  Flowers  in  loose  clusters  along  the 
base  of  the  young  branches,  and  in  the  axils,  appearing  in  June. 

JlahUat. — In  woodlands  and  open  places  from  Maine  to  Florida  and 
westward  ;  more  common  and  of  large  size  southward. 

Ilex  CassiriG  Walter.  —  Casscna,  Yaupon. 

iMicr/plion. — Flowers  and  fruit  like  the  preceding.  A  shrub  8  to  12 
feet  high,  slender,  the  short  spreading  branches  often  spine  like.  Leaves, 
evergreen,  4  to  1  inch  h)ng,  ov-d  or  oblong,  obtuse,  crenate.  Flower- 
clusters  very  numerous,  se>  die  or  jiearly  so,  appearing  in  April. 

lluhitat. — In  light  sandy  soil  along  the  coast  from  North  Carolina  to 
Florida. 

Ilex  Dahoon  Walter. — Dahoon  IIoUij. 

iA>c?'//>^/'>n. —Flowers  and  fruit  as  in  the  preceding.  A  shrub  or  small 
tree.  Leaves  evergreen,  2  to  3  incli.es  long,  varying  from  ohovate  io  ob- 
long-linear, acute  or  obtuse,  mucronate,  entire,  or  sharply  serrate  above  the 
middle,  on  short  petioles  ;  their  under  siirfacje,  as  well  as  the  younger 
braiiclu>s  and  flower-clusters,  pubescent.  Sterile  peduncles  many  flowered, 
the  fertile  ones  shorter,  mostly  1-tlowered  ;  the  flowers  appear  in  Api-il 
and  ]M  IV. 

Varhiy  3[yrtif')lia  {Ilex  inijrtifolia  Walter)  has  small  leaves,  ^  to  1 
inch  long,  linear-oblong,  entire,  or  on  young  branches,  sharply  2-  to  4- 
toothed  toward  the  apex. 

Habifaf. — ^Margins  of  swamps.  North  Carolina  to  Florida  and  westward. 

ParU  Used. — The  leaves  and  fruit — not  otHcial. 

CoiiNliluentn. — The  leaves  o'  Europctui  holly  {Ile.>;  Aqiiifulinni  Linm') 
have  been  more  carefully  examined  than  those  of  any  Nortli  American 
species.  They  contain  a  bitter  principle,  iliriu,  a  yellow  coloring  sub- 
stance called  ile.miUhin,  and  a  peculiar  acid,  ilicic  acid.  Some  of  the 
American  species  coutaiu  cad'cina. 


DIOSPYUOS — PEKSIMMON.  109 

Preparatloni^. — Alniinistcred  in  powder  or  infusion. 

Medical  I'roperlii's  a)ul  Cscs. — Holly  1ms  bcoii  much  more  usetl  in 
Europe  than  in  this  country.  Its  bitterness  led  to  its  use  in  intermittent 
fever,  but  careful  observation  has  prov  d  it  worthless  in  this  disease.  In 
largo  doses  the  leaves  produce  nausea  and  vomiting,  while  the  berries,  ad- 
ministered in  like  manner,  cause  both  vomiting  and  purging.  Possessing 
such  irritating  properties,  they  may,  of  course,  be  used  in  such  manner  as 
to  cause  diaphoresis,  and  hence  probably  their  asserted  efficacy  in  rheu- 
matism. I.  opaca  is  said  to  be  somewhat  demulc&nt,  and  has  been  used  in 
puhnouary  atlections  to  allay  cough  ami  jwjinote  expecttoration.  I.  cassine 
is  said  to  be  used  considerably  in  the  South  as  a  substitute  for  tea  ;  as  it 
contains  caffeina,  its  use  in  this  manner  is  much  more  rational  than  that  of 
several  other  plants  which  have  nothing  in  their  composition  analogous  to 
the  constituents  of  tea. 

EBr:NACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Trees  or  shrul)s  with  alternate  entire  leaves, 
and  dicecious  or  polygamous,  regular  Howers.  Calyx  persistent,  foliaceous. 
Corolla  monopetalous,  hypogynous.  Stamens  at  least  twice  or  tlirice  as 
many  as  the  lobes  of  the  corolla,  and  inserted  on  its  tube  or  base.  Ovary 
several-celled,  with  one  or  two  ovules  in  each  cell.  Fruit  a  berry,  matur- 
ing in  one  or  more  l)ony-coated  seeds. 

A  small  order,  comprising  15  genera  and  180  species,  chielly  tropicid. 
Represented  in  North  America  by  the  genus 

DIOSPYROS. — Pf.usimmon. 

Diospyros  Virginiana  Limu*. — lermnmon,  Dale  Plain. 

Det^cription. — Calyx  4:-loI)ed,  increasing  in  size  with  the  development  of 
the  fruit.  Corolla  4-lobed,  between  bell-shaped  and  urn-shaped,  greenish- 
yellow,  thickish,  glabrous.  Stamens  1(1,  in  pairs,  pubescent  ;  the  sterile 
ones  of  the  fertile  flowers  8.  Ovary  8-celled  ;  styles  4,  9-lobed  at  the 
apex.  Fruit  plum-like,  1  inch  in  diameter,  4-  to  8-seeded.  Yellow  when 
ripe. 

A  tree  20  to  70  feet  high.  Loaves  2  to  5  inches  long,  ovate  or  oblong, 
more  or  less  pubescent  when  young,  at  length  nearly  or  (piite  smooth. 
Fertile  llowers  commonly  solitary  in  the  axils  ;  sterile  ones  in  threes. 
Fruit  exceedingly  astringent  while  green,  but  when  ripe,  after  frost,  very 
sweet  and  luscious.  --  r 

Habitat. — Tn  woods  and  old  fields  from  Iihod(^  Island  to  Iowa,  and 
southward.     E:ist  of  the  Alleghanies  it  is  most  conunon  along  the  coast. 

Part  fWd. — The  unripe  fruit.  It  was  formerly  otficial,  but  was  dropped 
from  the  Pharmacopuna  in  1880.     The  bark  is  also  employed. 

Gonstituetits. — Tannic  and  malic  acids,  sugar  and  pectin. 


200  PLUMBAGINACEJi. 

Preparations. — Infusion  aud  vinous  tincture. 

Medical  Proijaiicti  and  Uses. — Tlie  unripe  fruit  and  inner  bark  are  as- 
trinj^x'ut  and  bitter.  Tannin  ajipears  t(^  be  llieir  cnly  constituent  of  thera- 
peutic importance.  Like  other  drug's  containing  tannin,  persimmon  has 
been  enipk)yed  in  chi-onic  and  subacute  catarrhal  aliections,  utid  in  hem- 
orrhages, but  many  other  articles  are  much  more  eligible  aud  eliicacious. 

PLUMBACINACE/E. 

Cliaiartrr  of  tin'.  Order. — Herbs,  rarely  woody,  "svith  leaves  alternate  or 
clustered  at  the  root.  Flowers  rt!gular,  .^-merous.  Cidyx  tubular,  plaited, 
persistent.  Petals  united  at  the  base,  or  distinct.  Stamens  oi^jjosite  the 
l)etals  or  lobes  of  the  corolla.  Ovary  1-celled,  free  from  the  calyx,  1- 
ovuled. 

An  order  i:xhiil)iting  the  sea-shore  or  salt  marshes,  mostly  in  temperate 
regions,  llcpresented  in  North  America  by  three  genera,  only  one  of 
Avhich  comprises  medicinal  species. 

STATICE.  — Mausii-Rosemau  Y. 

Statice  LimoniumLinnc'. — Ifirsh-Iioseinary,  Sea  Lavender. 

Deseriiilio  — Calyx  funnel-i'orm,  dry,  mend)ranaceous,  persistent.  Co- 
rolla :  petals  5,  distinct,  or  united  below,  with  long  claws.  Stamens  5, 
united  to  the  bases  of  the  petals.  Styles  5,  rarely  3,  distinct.  Fruit  mem- 
branaceous, indehiscent. 

A  perennial  herb,  with  a  thick,  reddish,  woody  root.  Leaves  all  radi- 
cal, thickish,  oblong,  spatulate,  or  obovate-lanceolate,  tapering  into  a 
rather  long  petiole.  Scapes  1  to  2  feet  high,  loosely  paniculate,  the  flow- 
ers in  one-sided  spikes  on  the  branches,  2-  to  y-bracted,  appearing  late  iu 
summer. 

Habdat. — In  salt  marshes  along  the  coast,  and,  in  various  forms, 
throughout  the  world.  Onr  plant  is  var.  Carohniana  Gray,  while  the  fonn 
found  on  Ihe  Pacific  coast  is  car.  Californica  Gray. 

Part  Used. — The  root — not  official. 

ConsfduenlK. — IMarsh -rosemary  contains,  as  its  most  important  constitu- 
ent, about  twelve  per  cent,  of  tainiin. 

JWjjarations. — Decoction  jind  infusion. 

Medical  JVopertiea  and  Uxe.-^. — Containing,  as  it  does,  a  large  percent- 
age of  tannin,  this  pl-uit  is  powerfully  astringtnt.  In  the  early  part  of 
this  century  it  was  largely  used  for  the  same  purjioses  as  are  catechu  and 
kino  now.  At  present  its  dec^oction  is  cljiefly  used  as  a  domehtic  remedy, 
often  as  a  gargle  in  sore  throat,  and  as  an  astringent  to  bleeding  aud  ulcer- 
ated surfaces. 


CATALPA.  201 


BICNONIACE^. 


Character  of  the  Order. — Ti-ees,  climbing  or  twining  shrubs,  rarely 
herbs,  with  opposite,  rarely  alternate,  simple  or  compound  leaves  and 
showy,  often  trumi^et-shaped  flowers.  Calyx  2-lipped,  5-cleft  or  entire. 
Corolla  usually  irregulai",  4-  to  5-lobed,  deciduous.  Stamens  5,  unoqiial, 
one  or  two  of  them  often  abortive,  inserted  upon  the  corolla.  Ovary  free  ; 
style  long  ;  stiuina  2-lipped.  Fruit  a  2-valved,  often  pod-like  capsule,  di- 
vided by  an  expansion  of  the  placeutie.  Seeds  generally  numerous  and 
winged. 

An  order  of  chiefly  tropical  plants,  comprising  few  medicinal  siiecies, 
and  these  possessed  of  no  very  striking  properties. 

BIGNONIA. 

Bignonia  capreolata  Linne. — Bignonin. 

Description. — Calyx  somewhat  bell-shaped,  the  margin  wavy  or  slightly 
5-toothed.  Corolla  irregular,  bell-shaped,  5-lobetl,  and  rather  2-lippcd, 
orange  color,  two  inches  long.  Stamens  unecpial,  2  long,  2  short,  and  1 
rudimentary  and  sterile.  Pod  2-celled,  flattened  parallel  with  the  valves 
and  partitions.  Seeds  in  two  rows,  and  provided  with  a  mendjranous 
wing. 

A  shrubby  climber,  often  ascending  tall  trees.  Wood  so  arranged  in 
the  stem  as,  in  transverse  section,  to  show  a  cross.  Leaves  of  2  oblong 
or  ovate  loallcts  and  a  brandling  tendril,  often  with  a  pair  of  accessory 
leaves  in  tlio  axils,  r(>sembling  stipules.  Flowers  clustered,  the  peduncles 
l-llowered,  appearing  in  April. 

Habitat. — In  rich  soil  from  Virginia  to  Southern  Illinois  and  south- 
ward. 

Part  Used. — Tiie  root — not  official. 

Constituents.  — Unknown. 

Preparations. — Used  in  decoction. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  —Bignonia  is  said  to  have  been  used  as  a 
substitute  for  sarsaparilla.  If  it  have  active  medicinal  properties,  tliey 
are  yet  to  be  ascertained. 

CATALPA. 

Catalpa  bignonioides  Walter.— C«/r//y)«7,  Indian  Honn. 

Description.— Ciih'  ■  2-lipped,  corolla  bell  sliaped,  inflated,  the  border 
spreading,  4- to  5-lobed,  irregular,  somewliat  2-lipped,  \\uite,  tinged  with 
violet,  aud  dotted  with  purple  and  yellow  on  the  throat.  Fertile  stamens, 
2  or  4  ;  sterile  and  rudimentary,  1  or  3.  Pod  one  foot  long,  slender, 
nearly   cylindrical,  2-celled. 


202  OllOBANCIIACE.E. 

A  tree  twenty  to  tifty  feet  liigli.  Leaves  mostly  opposite,  large,  cor- 
date, pointed,  pubescent,  at  least  beneath,  long-petioled.  Flowers  in  large, 
sliowy,  terminal  iianicles,  apj^earing  in  summer. 

Jlabllat. — Native  of  the  S(jutheru  States,  but  common  in  cultivation  in 
New  England  and  New^  York. 

Farl/^  Uxi'd. — The  bark  and  seeds — not  official. 

ConKlifaciifx. — In  the  bark  have  been  found  tannin,  an  amori)hon8 
bitter  principle,  a  bitter,  nauseous  crystalline  body,  besides  common  vege- 
table constituents. 

I'lrparaliouK — A  decoction. 

Mfdicid  Propcrlii^H  and  i'se;^. — Regarding  the  medicinal  pi'operties  of 
catalpa,  there  is  little  to  be  said,  for  little  of  a  detinite  character  is  known. 
It  i^^  said  to  bo  emetic  and  vormifuge,  and  to  have  been  nsed  in  bronchitis 
and  asthma  with  beneficial  effect.  PiU'cher  states  that  the  honey  col- 
lected from  the  flowers  is  somewhat  iioisonous. 

OROBANCHACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Low,  fleshy  herbs,  parasitic  upon  the  roots  of 
other  plants,  destitute  of  green  foliage,  bearing  scales  instead  of  leaves. 
Calyx  4-  to  ^-toothed  or  parted.  Corolla  m(>nopetalons,  tubular,  .^)-lobed, 
more  or  less  2-lipped,  withering-persistent.  Stamens  4,  inserted  in  pairs 
upon  the  tube  of  the  corolla.  Ovary  free  ;  style  long,  curved  at  the  apex  ; 
stigma  large.     Pod  1-celled,  2-valved.     Soeds  numerous. 

A  small  order  of  unimportant  plants.  In  general  they  possess  bitter 
and  astringent  pr'^perties. 

EPIPIIKGUS.— BF.F.cn-DuoPH. 

Epiphegus  Virginiana  ly.wton.—J'cech-Ih'ops,  Canrcr-Tinot. 

Dn^rriptiou. — Calyx  .^-toothed.  Corolla  of  the  upper  flowers  long, 
tubular,  curved,  4-toothed,  whitish  and  purple  ;  of  the  lower  flowers, 
short,  seldom  expanding,  but  being  forced  from  its  base  by  the  growth  of 
the  pod.  Po.I  2-valved  at  the  apex,  but  with  2  partial  partitions  in  each 
valve. 

A  slender  much-branched  herb,  G  to  12  inches  high,  purijlish  or  yel- 
lowish-brown, with  small  scattered  scales.  Flowers  racemose  or  spiked, 
the  upper  sterile,  the  lower  fertile,  appearing  late  in  sunmier. 

Jlabilat. — Parasitic  upon  the  roots  of  beech-trees  ;  very  common. 

Pari  Used. — The  entire  plant — not  official. 

ComlltuentH. — Unknown. 

Preparations. — Administered  in  decoction  or  powder. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Beech-drops  has  a  disagreeable  bitter 
and  astringent  taste,  which  is  much  more  pronounced  in  the  recent  than 
in  the  dried  specimen.    It  has  been  employed  both  topically  and  internally 


APIIYLLON NAKED    BUOOM-RAPE.  203 

as  fin  astrinpfpnt.     Doubtless  its  eflfect  when  \pplie(l  to  ill-conditioued  ulcers 
led  to  the  absurd  notion  that  it  is  curative  of  cancer. 

CONOPIIOLIS.  — Canceu-Root. 

Conopholis  Americana  "Wallroth — ^'qitav-lioot,  Cnnrrr-Tlnnt. 

Dcf'cription. — Calyx  irregularly  1-  to  5-toothed.  Corolla  tu1)ular  at  the 
base,  2-lipped,  the  upper  lip  2-lobed,  the  lower  3-parted,  spreading.  Pod 
2-valved,  with  2  jAacentie  on  each  valve. 

8tem  4  to  7  inches  hi<fh,  thick,  simple,  covered  with  ovate-lanceolate, 
aciite  scales,  regularly  inil)ricat(!d  like  the  scales  of  a  pine  cone  :  tlie  upper 
scales  forniiii;''  bracts  to  the  ilowers.  Flowers  in  a  tliicjk  scaly  spike,  ap- 
pearing in  ]\Iay  and  June.  The  entire  plant  is  chestnut-colored  or  yellow- 
ish. 

IfahUat. — In  oak  woods. 

J^arls  Uf^ed. — The  entire  plant — not  official. 

Couxfifucnls. — Unknown. 

JWparcUion.^. — Used  in  decoction  or  powder. 

Medical  Properties  and  L'^ch. — Like  those  of  Beech-Drops,  which  see. 

APHYLLOX. — Xakkd  Bkoom-Rape. 

Aphyllon  uniflorum  Torrey  and  Gray. — XaLed  Broom-Ttopc. 

Description. — Calyx  5-cleft,  regular.  Corolla  v.ith  a  long  curved  tube, 
the  border  2-lipped,  the  upper  lip  deeply  2-cleft,  the  lower  3-cleft,  pur- 
plish-white. Stamens  included.  Cipsulo  2-valved,  each  valve  with  2 
placentie. 

Stem  subterranean  or  nearly  so,  scaly,  often  branched,  each  branch 
sending  up  1  to  3  slender,  l-ilo\vei'ed  scapes,  ;i  to  5  inches  higli.  Flow- 
ers and  scapes  glandular-pubescent ;  they  appear  in  April  and  jMay. 

Habitat. — In  dry  woodlands  ;  common. 

I'lirlx  l^rd. — The  entire  plant — not  olHcial. 

(JonstitLU'ul.-<. — Unknown. 

Preparations. — Used  in  decoction  or  powder. 

Medical  Properties  and  i'sct<. — Like  those  of  Beech-Drops,  which  see. 

SCROPHULARIACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Herbs,  rarely  shrubs  or  trees,  with  opposite  or 
alternate,  exstipulate  leaves,  and  irregular,  mouopetalous  flowers.  Calyx 
5-lobed,  rarely  4-lobed,  persistent.  Corolla  5-lobed,  rarely  i-lobed,  often 
2-lii)2Ded  or  more  or  less  irregular.  Stamens  2  or  4,  sometimes  5.  inserted 
on  the  tube  of  the  corolla.  Ovary  free,  2-celled  ;  style  1,  undivided  ;  stig- 
ma entire  or  2-lobed.     Pod  2-celled,  many-seeded. 

A  large  and  widely  distributed  order.     iMost  of  the  species  are  bitter, 


204 


RCHOI'nULAlIIACE.E. 


some  of  thorn  acrid,  and  ()th(?rs  possess  narcotic  properties,  ho  that  it  ia 
difficult  to  characterize  them  in  general  terms. 


VERBASCUM.— Mullein. 


Verbascum  Thapsiis  Linn6. — Common  Mullein. 
Ih'ncriplion. — (Jalyx  o-partcd.     Corolla  slightly  concave,  whoel-shnped, 
5-lobed,  the  1(;1)(!H  slij^htly  irregular.     Stamens  5,  three  of  them  with  -woolly 

lilameuts,  the  others  glabrous. 
Style  Hattened  at  the  apex.  Pod 
globular,  many-seeded. 

A  stout,  erect  biennial,  simple 
or  bran('h('(l  above,  2  to  4  feet 
liigh,  densely  clothed  'with  soft 
woolly  hairs.  Leaves  oblong, 
pointed,  slightly  toothed,  nar- 
rowed at  the  base  into  two  wings 
which  run  tlown  the  stem  ;  the 
lower  ones  nt'ten  petiolate,  and  6 
to  10  inches  long.  I'lowers  yel- 
low, in  a  dense,  woolly,  terminal 
spike,  appearing  throughout  the 
sununer. 

JlabUat.  —  Nattiralize(  fiom 
Europe  ;  common  everywnere. 

I'orL^  i'si'il. — The  leaves  and 
flowers — not  official. 

Conslitucnts. — Both  leaves  and. 
flowers  contain  mucilage  ;  the 
flowers  yield  also  a  small  amount 
of  yellow  volatile  oil. 

Preparations. — Of  the  leaves  : 


Fio.  1 12. — Vorbasciim  Thapsiis. 


an  infusion  ;  they  are  also  employed  in  the  preparation  of  poultices.  Of 
tiH'  flowers  :  an  infusion  in  oil  is  a  popular  preparation  in  some  parts  of 
Continental  Europe. 

Mcilical  PrntH'rti('i<  and  Usci;. — The  chief,  if  not  the  only  medicinal  con- 
stituent of  mullein  is  its  mucilage.  This  being  admitted,  the  indications 
for  the  therapeutic  use  of  the  plant  are  plain.  It  may  be  employed  in  all 
cases  requiring  demulcents,  and,  if  not  as  agreeable  as  some  other  agents 
of  this  class,  it  will  proljably  be  of  equal  efficacy.  The  infused  oil  of  the 
flowers  is  probalily  no  more  active  than  oil  in  which  flowers  have  not  been 
infused  ;  it  is  used  as  an  embrocation  in  sprains  and  bruises. 


VERONICA — SPEEDWELL.  205 


RCROPIIUL  ARI  A. — Fio  wonT. 


Scrophularia  nodosa  Lhnu'. — Fiywort. 

DcHcriplion. — Calyx  deeply  5-piirto(l,  the  lobes  roundetl.  CoroUn-tube 
Homewliiit  globular,  twice  the  length  of  the  calyx,  the  margin  5-lobeil,  the 
2  upper  lobes  longer  than  the  2  lateral,  the  lower  spreading.  Stamens  4, 
turned  downward  ;  a  fifth  rudimentary  ntameu  is  situated  at  the  summit 
of  the  corolla-tube.     Capsule  2-cclled,  2-valved,  many-seeded. 

A  coarse,  erect  perennial  herb,  2  to  3  feet  high.  Stem  quadrangular. 
Leaves  opposite,  large,  broadly  ovate,  or  cordate,  pointed,  doubly  crenate 
or  serrato.  Flowers  greenish-piu'ple,  in  loose  cymes,  forming  a  terminal 
panicle  ;  they  appear  in  summer. 

Habitat. — In  damp  woods  ;  common.     Found  also  in  Europe  and  Asia. 

Parts  Used.  — The  leaves  and  root — not  official. 

Constituents. — A  peculiar  principle,  ticrophularin,  and  the  common  con- 
stituents of  plants. 

J'trparatitms. — Infusion  and  decoction. 

.Medical  Properties  and  Use.^^. — This  plant  derives  its  generic  name  from 
its  supposed  efficacy  in  scrofula,  a  sui^positiou  long  since  proved  to  be 
without  foundation.  If  it  have  any  active  medicinal  virtue,  the  fact  is  yet 
to  be  ascertained. 

CHELOXE.  — Tuktle-IIead. 

Chelone  glabra  Linne. — Turtle-Head,  liabnony. 

Description. — Calyx  :  sepals  5,  distinct,  hnbricated.  Corolla  inflated- 
tubulai',  Avith  the  mouth  but  little  open,  2-lipped,  white ;  the  ujiper  lip 
arched,  keeled  in  the  middle,  notched  at  the  apex  ;  the  lower  lip  3-lobed, 
woolly  in  the  throat,  the  middle  lobe  smallest.  Stamens,  4  perfect,  woolly, 
and  a  fifth  smaller,  sterile.     Capsule  ovate,  manj'-seeded. 

A  smooth  perennial.  Stem  upright,  branching.  Leaves  opposite, 
lanceolate,  serrate,  acuminate,  narrowed  at  the  base  into  a  very  short 
petiole.  Flowers  white,  or  tinged  with  rose-color,  in  sessile  spikes  or 
clusters,  appearing  from  July  till  autumn. 

Habitat. — In  wet  places  ;  common. 

l*art  Used. — The  herb — not  official. 

Constituents. — A  bitter  principle  which  has  not  been  isolated. 

Preparations  — A  decoction. 

3Iedical  Projjerties  and  Uses. — Bahuony  is  laxative  or  purgative,  accord- 
ing to  the  dose  administered.  Its  therapeutic  limitations  are,  as  yet,  in- 
definite. 

VEROXICA.  — Si'KEDWEI.L. 

Character  of  the  Genus.— Calyx  4-parted.  Corolla  rotate  or  salverform, 
4-parted,  the  lateral  lobes  or  the  lower  one  narrower  than  the  upper. 
Stamens  2,  one  each  side  of  the  upper  lobe  of  the  corolla,  exserted.     Style 


20G  SCUOPIIULARIACEiE. 

entire.  Capsule  compressed,  often  obeordate,  2-ccllod,  few-  or  many- 
seeded. 

Herbs,  rarely  shrubs,  Avith  opposite  or  wliorlcd  leaves.  Flowers  soli- 
tary, axillary,  or  in  racemes,  blue,  llesh-colored,  or  white. 

Veronica  Virginica  Linnu  {Lcplandm  ]'hy/tnica  Nuttall).  —  ('iilnrs- 
Itoot,  Cidrcr'K-Ph ysic. 

Description. — Tube  of  the  corolla  longer  than  its  limb,  and  much  longer 
than  the  calyx.  Both  calyx  and  corolla  sometimes  5-partcd.  Pod  oblong- 
ovate,  not  notched,  opening  by  4  teeth  at  the  summit,  many-seeded. 

A  perennifd  herb.  Stem  simple,  erect,  smooth,  2  to  5  feet  high.  Leaves 
in  whorls  of  4  to  7,  lanceolate,  ^jointed,  finely  serrate.  Flowers  white,  in 
dense  terminal  sjiicate  panicled  racemes,  appearing  in  July  and  August. 

Ilahitut — In  rich,  open  woods,  from  Vermont  to  Wisconsin  and  south- 
ward. 

Part  Vxcd. — Tlie  rhizome  and  rootlets  Official  name :  Leptandra — 
United  Sifdcs  Pliarmnropiria. 

Veronica  officinalis  Linne. — Common  Speedwell. 

Descrijdion, — Corolla  with  a  very  short  tube,  the  limb  rotate,  the  lower 
segment  narrowest.     Capsule  obovate  or  obcordate,  many-seeded, 

A  low  perennial.  Stem  perennial  at  the  base,  nuich  branched,  c)*eejiing 
and  rooting  at  the  jiodcs.  ■  Leaves  opposite,  short  petioled,  obovate-elliptical 
or  wedge-oblong,  serrate,  hair}'.  Flowers  in  axilhuy  racemes,  nearly  ses- 
sile, rather  small,  pale  blue,  rarely  flesh-colored,  appearing  in  midsummer. 

Hahitid. — On  dry  hills  and  in  oj)eu  woods  ;  common  both  in  this  coun- 
try and  in  Europe  and  Asia. 

Part  Uacd. — The  herb — not  official. 

These  two  species  of  vei'onica,  dilToring  very  widely  in  habit,  represent 
the  medicinal  characters  of  the  genus.  Y.  virginica  stands,  as  it  were, 
alone,  all  other  species  resembling  each  other  to  a  greater  or  less  extent. 

Constituents. — Leptandra  contains,  in  addition  to  the  ordinary  constitu- 
ents of  plants,  a  peculiar  crystalline  principle,  leplandrin,  having  the  bitter 
and  nauseous  taste  of  the  crude  drug.  Speedwell  also  contains  a  bitter 
principle,  but  whether  similar  to,  or  identical  with  that  of  leptandra  has 
not  been  determined. 

Preparalionx. — Of  leptandra:  Extractum  leptandra?  — extract  of  lep- 
tandra ;  extractum  leptandra;  fluidum — fluid  extract  of  lejitandra. — 
United  Slates  Phnrmacopceia.  There  is  also  a  commercial  preparation,  er- 
roneously called  leptandrin,  prepai'cd  by  pi*ecipitation  from  the  alcoholic 
tincture.     Si^eedwoll  is  commonly  administered  in  infusion  or  decoction. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — When  fresh,  leptandra  acts  as  a  violent 
emeto-cathartic,  too  violent,  indeed,  to  be  used  with  safety.  W^ien  dried, 
its  drastic  jiroperties  are  much  modified,  and  in  this  condition  it  is  said  to 
be  laxative  and  cholagogue.  It  is  used  in  disorders  of  the  digestive  sys- 
tem, especially  when  accompanied  by  hepatic  torpor. 


MENTHA — MINT.  207 

Speedwell  has  been  considered  diaphoretic,  diuretic,  expectorant,  etc., 
but  is  seldom  employed,  and  probably  possesses  very  little  medicinal 
virtue. 

LABIATE. 

CJiaractcr  of  Ihe  Order. — Herbs,  rarely  luidershrubs,  -with  Rqtiare  stems, 
and  opposite,  exstipulate  leaves.  Calyx  tubular,  5-  to  lO-tootlicd  or  2- 
lipped,  persistent  Corolla  more  or  less  2-lipped  ;  the  upper  lip  2-l()bod,  or 
sometimes  entire  ;  the  lower  3-lobed.  Stamens  4,  didynamous,  or  by  abor- 
tion 2,  inserted  on  the  tube  of  the  corolla.  Ovary  deeply  4-lobed  ;  style  2- 
lobed  at  the  apex.  Fruit  4  seed-like  nutlets  or  achenia,  enclosed  in  the 
calyx. 

Foliage  commonly  dotted  witli  glands  containing  aromatic  volatile  oil. 
Flowers  axillary,  chiefly  in  cymose  clusters,  and  these  frequently  aggre- 
gated in  terminal  spikes  or  racemes. 

A  very  large  order  of  aromatic  plants,  wholly  destitute  of  deleterious 
or  i:)oisoiious  properties.  Very  many  of  them  have  been  cultivated  for 
culinary  or  medicdnal  purposes  from  time  immemorial,  hence  a  large  per- 
centage of  the  valuable  species  at  present  inhabiting  North  America  have 
been  introduced. 

TEUCRIUM.— Gkumanoeu. 

Teucrium  Canadense  Linnc. — American  Germander,  Wond-Sar/e. 

Description. — Calyx  oblicpK*,  unequtilly  5-toothed.  Corolla  Avith  the  4 
upper  lobes  nearly  e<iuid,  oblong,  turned  forward  ;  the  lower  much  larger. 
Stamens  4,  exserted  from  a  cleft  between  the  two  upper  lobes  of  the  corolla. 

An  herbaceous  perennial.  Stem  erect,  1  to  3  feet  high.  Leaves  ovate- 
lanceolate,  acute,  serrate,  rounded  at  the  base,  petiolate  ;  the  upper  ones 
scarcely  longer  than  the  c;dyx.  Both  stem  and  leaves  hoary-pubescent. 
Flowers  pale  purple  to  white,  in  whorls  of  about  0,  crowded  in  a  long  sim- 
ple raceme  ;  they  tipjiear  about  midsummer. 

Habitat. — In  low  ground  from  Canada  to  Florida. 

Parts  Used. — The  herb — not  official. 

Constituents. — A  vf)latile  oil,  a  bitter  principle,  and  tannin. 

Preparations. — Commonly  employed  in  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Germander,  both  American  and  European 
species,  possesses  the  stimulant  and  aromatic  properties  of  labiate  plants 
generally,  and  has  been  emijloyed  as  a  diaphoretic,  diuretic,  emmenagogue, 
etc.  _  .  _.— ^  -    - 

MENTHA.— Mint. 

Character  of  the  Genus.— Calyx  5-toothed,  regular  or  nearly  so.  Corolla 
"bell-shaped,  with  a  short  tube,  the  margin  nearly  equally  4-lobed.  Stamens 
4,  erect,  equidistant 


208 


LABIAT.E. 


Perennial  herbs  witli  flowers  ii\  dense  wliorls,  aiTnnp;ecl  in  terminal  or 
axillary  heads  or  spikes.     Corolla  pak'  i)uri)le  or  whitish. 

Mentha  piperita  Linne. — Peppermint. 

DescTiption. — Smooth.  .Stem  crcet,  1  to  2  feet  hiffh.  Leaves  ovate-ob- 
long, and  lanceolate,  serrate,  pctiolate.  Lifloresceuce  mostly  terminal,  in 
interrupted  heads  or  si)ikes. 


Fio.  1-1.3.— Mentha  piperita. 


Fig.  M't.— Mentha  virldla. 


JTahitaf. — Naturalized  from  Europe  ;  gi'owing  in  low  grounds  and  wet 
places.  It  is  extensivelj'  cultivated  in  some  sections  of  the  country,  nota- 
bly in  Wayne  County,  New  York,  for  the  sake  of  its  volatile  oil.  It  multi- 
plies rapidly  by  means  of  underground  shoots. 

Mentha  virldis  Linuo. — Spearmint. 

Deitcription . — Nearly  smooth.  Stem  erect,  1  to  2  feet  high.  Leaves 
J  oblong-lanceolate,  acute,  unequally  serrate,  nearly  sessile.  Inflorescence 
terminal,  in  naiTow,  intemipted  spikes.  ., 

Habitnl. — Naturalized  from  Europe  ;  growing  in  damp  soil  along  road- 
sides and  in  waste  places. 

Part^  Vsed. — The  leaves  and  tops  of  both  species — United  States 
Pharmacopoeia. 

Constituents. — The  only  important  constituent  of  mint  is  its  volatile 
oiL 


LYCOPUS — WATEIl   IIOIIEIIODND.  209 

Preparalioni^. — Of  poppormint :  A((Ufi  inonthm  jiiporitm — popporinint 
water ;  oleum  mcntlifi)  piiMirihu — oil  of  peppenniut  ■  spiritus  iiienthto 
pipcritjc — spirit  of  ])('pperiuiiit ;  trochisci  iiiciitliir  pipi-ritin— troches  of 
poi)permint.  Of  Hpearmint :  Aipiio  luontliie  viridis — Hpcarniint  ■svator ; 
oleum  menthii)  viridis — oil  of  spearmint ;  spiritus  luentliie  viridis — si)irit 
of  spearmint. —  United  Slates  Pharmacojxeid.  Both  species  are  also  fre- 
quently used  in  infusion. 

Medical  Prupcrlies  and  (Tn^'x. — The  aromatic,  stimulant,  and  carminativo 
properties  of  pcppcu'mint  and  spearmint  render  them  useful  in  a  great  va- 
riety of  gastric  and  intestinal  disorders  characterized  by  colic  pains.  Tho 
only  dill'ereuce  between  them  is  one  of  degree,  spearmint  acting  nuich 
more  mildly  than  peppermint,  and  its  flavor  being  to  some  people  more 
agreeable. 

LYCOPUS.— Wat  Kit  IIouKiiouNn. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Calyx  -4-  to  5-toothed.  Corolla  nearly  equally 
4-lobed,  about  the  length  of  the  calyx.  Stamens  2,  with  nidiments  of  2 
more.     Achcnia  truncate  at  the  apex. 

Perennial  herbs  resembling  mints,  but  wanting  their  aroma,  and  having 
but  2  perfect  stamens. 

Lycopus  Virginicus  Ijhmv.—Jiugleiceed. 

Description. — Calyx-teeth  4,  ovate,  obtuse,  without  a  spine,  shorter 
than  the  achenia.  Stem  G  to  18  inches  high,  obtusely  4-i)ngled.  Leaves 
broadly-lanceolate,  serrate,  tapering  at  both  ends,  short  petioled.  Entire 
plant  smooth,  often  purplish.  Flowers  very  small,  in  small  capitate  clus- 
ters, appearing  in  midsummer. 

Habitat. — In  v  et  places  ;  common. 

Lycopus  F  jropaeus  Linne. —  Water  Ilorehoand. 

JJescripfioi . — Calyx-teeth  5,  triangular-lanceolate,  rigid  and  jiointed, 
longer  than  the  achenia.  Stem  1  to  2  feet  high,  sharply  4-angled.  Leaves 
oblong-lanceolate,  cr  lance-ovate,  aciite,  sinuate-toothed  or  pinnatitid, 
more  or  less  petiolate.  Flowers  small  and  very  numerous,  in  dense  axil- 
lary Avhorla.     A  very  variable  species. 

Haljital. — In  wet  places  ;  common  both  here  and  in  Europe. 

Farts  Used. — The  herb  of  both  species — not  olHcial. 

Constituents. — These  plants  probably  possess  the  ordinary  constituents 
of  the  labiatiT),  though  there  is  evidently  much  less  volatile  oil  than  in 
many  plants  of  the  order,  and  more  bitterness. 

Preparations. — Commonly  administered  in  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Bugleweed  is  said  to  be  sodiiiive,  tonic, 
astringent,  and  narcotic,  but  upon  what  authority  it  is  difficult  to  deter- 
mine. Water  horehouiid  is  said  to  be  remedial  in  intermittent  fever,  but 
the  authority  for  the  statement  is  doubtful.  By  virtue  of  their  bitterness, 
both  these  plants  may  probably  produce  tonic  effects ;  and  through  their 


210  LA  HIATAL. 

voliitilo  oil  tliey  may  relievo  oolie  pniiiH,  aH  do  the  labiatm  generally,  but 
tliat  cither  of  them  is  directly  uarcotio,  sedative,  or  Bpecitic,  in  extremely 
improbable. 

CUNILA.— Dittany. 

Cunila  Mariana  Linm'. — THllany. 

JJfscriidiun. — Calyx  equally  .l-toothed,  the  throat  densely  hairy.  Co- 
rolla twice  as  lon^jf  as  the  calyx,  2-lipped  ;  the  upp(!r  lip  erecrt,  lint,  einarj^i- 
iiuto  ;  the  lower  U-clet't,  spreading.     .Stamens  2,  erec-t,  exserted,  distant. 

A  perennial  herb.  Stems  iut'ted,  1  to  2  h'et  hif^h,  mucli  branched,  pur- 
plish. Leaves  ovate,  serrate,  subsessile.  Flowers  jiurplish,  in  corymbed 
cymes  or  clusters,  appearin<j  in  midsummer. 

Iltibilal. — In  dry,  o2)en  woods,  ivom  Now  York  to  Illinois  and  .southward. 

VarU  Cxnt. — The  herb — not  oflicial. 

('oiislUaciUis. — A  very  fraj^'raut  volatile  oil,  and  ordinary  coubtitueuta  of 
the  labiatii'. 

rreparalioHX. — Commonly  used  in  infusion. 

Medical  rropcrlieti  and  t's(,'.«<.— Dittany  acts,  in  every  essential  particular, 
like  the  mints,  and  is  used  for  the  same  puiposes. 

PYCNANTIIEMUM.— Mountain  Mint. 

Character  of  the  Geini.^. — Calyx  tubular  10-  to  ■'.5-nei'ved,  equally  5- 
toothed  or  with  the  3  upper  teeth  more  ov  less  united.  Corolla  2-lipi)ed  ; 
the  upper  lip  nearly  entire  ;  the  lower  tritid,  the  middle  lobe  longest,  all 
of  them  ovate,  obtuse.     Stamens  4,  distant,  the  lower  pair  longer. 

Erect,  rigid,  perennial  herbs,  corymbosely  branched  above.  Flowers' 
luunerous,  in  dense  whorls,  usually  forming  terminal  heads  or  close  cymes. 

Pycnanthemum  incanum  Mic.hnnK.—Moinitain  3Ii)it. 

Dexcriptioit. — Calyx  2-lipped,  the  teeth,  together  with  the  bracts,  awl- 
shaped,  and  bearded  Avith  spreading  hairs. 

Stem  erect  ^  +o  4  feet  high.  Leaves  oblong-ovate,  acute,  remotely 
toothed,  dow"  3  and  hoaiy-tomentose  beneath,  the  floral  ones  whit- 

(>ned  botl  .'lowers  pale  red,  dotted  with  purple,  in  dense,  flattened, 

comijoi  ^es,  appearing  in  July  and  August. 

Ilabii..  —Rocky  woods  and  barrens  from  New  England  to  IVtichigau 
and  south  ,vard.  • 

Pycnanthemum  linifolium  Pursh. —  Virginia  Thyme. 

Description. — Calyx  equally  5-toothed,  the  teeth  pointed.  Corolla  veiy 
short. 

Stem  erect,  1  to  2  feet  high.  Leaves  narrow,  sessile,  entire,  rigid, 
crowded  and  clustered  in  the  axils.  Flowers  whitish,  collected  in  dense, 
globular,  often  fascicled  heads,  crowded  in  terminal  cymes,  appearing  in 
August. 


COLLINSONIA — HOUSK-BALM.  211 

IFabilnf. — ^IfiHaachuHotts  to  Illinois  mid  HoutUwanl. 

J'artfi  L'.stv/. — Tho  licrlj — nut  olliciul. 

Constituenln. — Mountuiu-mint  has  a  tiwto  intcnuoiliato  between  thui.  ui 
pcnuyroyal  ami  Bpearuiint,  duo  to  it«  volatile  oil,  its  only  important  (;on- 
htituent.  Virginia  thynio  has  much  lesH  aroma,  and  luoro  bittt.'rness  ;  it 
contaiurt  volatile  oil,  tannin,  a  bitter  prinfii)le,  etc. 

l'rci>ar(th'oiis. — Used  in  infusion. 

Medical  l'ri>in;rlicK  and  I'si's. — Tiic  abovo-described  species  of  pycnan- 
theuuini,  together  with  several  others  oi  similar  properties,  have  been  used 
medicinally  to  a  limited  extent,  for  the  same  puqioses  as  other  labiate 
plants  are  employed.  As  they  are  less  agreeable  than  many  others  of  the 
order  in  coninion  use,  and  are  certainly  no  mure  etlicieut,  tlu;y  do  not  de- 
mand serious  attention. 

lll':i)I':(JMA.— Mock  PicNNYUovAf.. 

f  edeoma  pulegioides  Persoon. — American  Penny  royal 

V  'svripliixn. — (Jalyx  KJ-ncrved,  gibbous  at  the  base,  2-lippcd,  the 
throat  bearded;  the  upper  lip  ;{-toothed  ;  the  lower  2-clcft  and  spined. 
Corolla  2-lipped  ;  the  ui)i)er  li^)  erect,  flat,  notched  at  the  a[)ex  ;  the  louver 
31obed,  spreading.     Stamens  2  iertilo  and  2  rudimentary. 

A  low  annual.  .Stem  erect,  (5  inches  high,  branching.  Leaves  oblong- 
ovate,  obscurely  serrate,  petiolaie.  Flowers  bluish,  in  few  llowered,  axillary 
whorls,  appearing  throughout  the  summer. 

Ilahilal. — In  (b'y  fields  and  open  woods  ;  everywhere  (iommon. 

Parts  lT»ed. — The  leaves  and  tops. —  Ciiiled  Slate.s  Pharmacupoma. 

GouHtitueMx. — Its  chief  and  only  important  constituent  is  an  aromatic 
volatile  oil. 

PreparaLiun!^.—0\i}\\\\\  hedeoma? — oil  of  hedeonia  (o/7  i>f  penmiroifd). — 
Cniled  Stales  Pliarmaeopfvia.     li'iK  often  administered  in  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  f^ses. — Pennyroyal  is  an  aromatic^  stimulant, 
long  used  in  flatulence,  and  to  stinmlate  menstruation.  In  the  latter  case 
it  is  not  to  be  considered  as  exerting,  in  any  sen.se,  a  specific  action,  but 
simply  as  stimulating  the  secretions  through  its  general  stimulant  proper- 
ties, and  not  through  any  special  action  upon  the  organs  engaged  in  the 
function  of  menstruation. 

COLLINSONIA.— Hokse-Bai.m. 

Collinsonia  Canadensis  Linm'. — Horse-Balm,  Stone-Root. 

Description. — Calyx  2-lipped  ;  the  upper  lip  IMootlied,  the  lower  2-cleft. 
Corolla  greenish-yellow,  somewhat  2-lipped,  the  throat  expanded  ;  the 
upper  lip  nearly  equally  idobed,  the  lower  much  larger,  the  margin 
fringed.     Stamens  2,  rarely  4,  much  exserted. 


212  LABIATE. 

A  perennial  herb.  Stem  2  to  3  feet  liigli,  somewhat  branching  above. 
Leaves  3  to  8  inches  long  and  3  to  4  inches  broad,  ovate,  serrate,  acumi- 
nate, tlio  lower  on  long  petioles,  the  upper  almost  or  quite  sessile.  Flowers 
racemose,  the  racemes  disposed  in  a  large  panicle  ;  they  appear  in  summer 
and  early  autumn. 

Ilabilal. — In  rich,  moist  woods  ;  common. 

Purls  l^!H!d.  —  T\ic  root  and  herb  — not  official. 

Conslitiienlff. — "When  bruised  this  plant  has  a  strong,  somewhat  dis- 
agreeable odor,  faintly  suggestive  of  a  lemon  or  lime.  Like  other  labiates 
its  chief  important  constituent  is  a  volatile  oil.  The  constituents  of  the 
root  have  not  been  ascertained. 

IWpanif ions;.— Fjin-ployed  in  infusion  and  tincture. 

Medical  J'ropo'tics  and  l^sex. — Htone-root  is  said  to  be  diuretic  and 
tonic,   and  its  name  implies,   useful  in   calculous  aUcctions.      It  cer- 

tainly possesses  stimulant  properties  similar  to  those  of  many  other  labiate 
pi.  *s,  but  whether  anything  beyond  this  is,  as  yet,  a  matter  of  conjecture. 
The  leaves  doubtless  owe  all  their  efficacy  to  thei»'  volatile  oil. 

MOXARDA.— Hoi{,sE-MiNT. 

Monarda  punctata  Linnc. — Horse-Mint. 

DcKcri2)lion.—  Gi\\.ys.i\\\m\iW,  elongated,  somewhat  curved,  nearly  equally 
5-toothed,  hairy  in  the  throat.  Corolla  elongated,  strongly  2-lipi)ecl,  upper 
lip  erect,  linear,  the  lower  sjjreading,  3-lobed,  ilie  lateral  lobes  ovate,  ob- 
tuse, the  middle  one  narrower.  Stamens  2,  inserted  in  the  throat  of  the 
corolla,  not  longer  than  its  upper  lip. 

A  perennial  lierb.  Stem  2  to  3  feet  high,  branching,  whitened  by  a  fine 
pubescence.  Leaves  lanceolate,  tapering  to  a  point,  petiolate.  Flowers 
yellowish,  the  upper  lip  spotted  with  purple,  in  a  few  dense  whorled 
heads,  surrounded  with  bracts  ;  they  apjiear  late  in  sunnuer. 

Habitat. — In  sandy  soil  from  New  York  to  Illinois  and  southward. 

Part  Used. — The  herb— not  official. 

Constituents. — A  pungent  volatile  oil. 

Preparations. — Oleum  monardic — oil  of  monarda.  Formerly  official. 
It  is  also  employed  in  infusion. 

3[cdiral  Properties  and  Uses. — Horse-mint  is,  like  other  labiates,  stimu- 
lating and  ai'omatic.  Like  them  also  it  is  employed  to  relieve  colic  pains, 
and  in  hot  infusion  to  induce  diaphor-^sis,  and  to  stimulate  the  menstrual 
function. 

NEPET  A. —Catmint. 

Character  of  the  Oemis. — Calyx  tubular,  15-nerved,  obliquely  5-toothed, 
<^he  upper  teeth  usually  longest.  Corolla  dilated  in  the  throat,  2  lipped  ; 
the  upper  lip  erect,  slightly  concave,  notched  or  2-lobed,  the  lower  spread- 


SCUTELLARIA — SKULLCAP. 


213 


ing,  3-lobecl.     Stamens  i,  in  pairs  under  the  nppcr  lip,  the  upper  j^air 
longer. 

Nepeta  Cataria  Linm'. — Catnip,  Catmint. 

Di'srrijjlioit. — A  perennial  herb  1  to  2  feet  liigli.  Leaves  ovate-cordate, 
acuminate,  coarsely  serrate,  petiolate.  whitish  downy  underneath.  Flow- 
ers whitish,  dotted  with  pur- 
ple, in  compact  cymes,  form- 
ing short,  oblong  spikes  at 
the  ends  of  the  branches; 
they  appear  in  sununer  and 
autumn. 

Hahitat. — In  waste  places 
about  dwellings ;  naturalized 
from  Europe. 

Nepeta  Glee  ho  ma 
Bentham. — Groniul  Icy,  iUll- 
over-the-ground. 

I)ei>cripiion. — A  more  or 
less  hairy  perennial  herb, 
creeping  and  rooting  at  the 
base.  Leaves  orbicular  or 
reniform,  crenate,  petiolate, 
green  both  sides.  Flowers 
blue,  in  axillary  whorls  of 
about  G,  appearing  early  in 
sining  and  summer. 

llaliilal. — In  Avaste  places 
about  dwellings  ;  naturalized  from  Europe. 

Part  Ui^ed. — The  herb  of  both  species — not  official. 

Constitiientf'. — Tlieir  only  important  constituents  are  their  volatile  oils. 

Medical  Proiicrlioft  and  ll^es. — Catnip  is  chiefly  iisod  for  its  .stimulant 
effect  in  the  flatulent  colic  of  infants,  and,  in  hot  infusion,  to  pn)moto 
menstruation.  Ground  ivy  fornuu'ly  had  some  reputation  in  catarrhal 
affections  and  in  pulmonary  consumption,  but  Avithout  substantial  founda- 
tion, for  there  is  no  evidence  to  support  the  idea  that  it  possesses  prop- 
erties e.-isentially  dill'erent  from  those  of  the  labiatuo  generally. 


145.— Nopeta  Glechomo. 


SCUTELL  A11L\.  —Skullcap. 


Scutellaria  lateriflora  Linne.— .S'/-«//c(7p. 

Description. — Calyx  bell-shaped,  2-lipped,  the  lips  entire,  the  upper 
one  with  a  helmet-like  appendage  on  the  back,  and  closed  after  flowering. 
Corolla  2-lipped,  the  upper  lip  vaulted,  the  lower  dilated,  sjireading,  con- 
vex, notched  at  the  apex.     Stamens  4,  ascending  under  the  upper  lip. 


214  LABIATiE. 

A  perennial  herb.  Stem  erect,  mucli  branched,  nearly  smooth,  1  to  2 
feet  high.  Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  acuminate,  serrate,  petiolate.  Flow- 
ers small,  blue,  in  axilbuy  and  terminal,  one-sided  racemes,  aj^pearing 
late  in  summer. 

liabilat. — In  wet,  shady  places  ;  common. 

Part  Used. — The  herb — United  Slates  Fharmacopam. 

Constitnenls. — Skullcap  has  less  volatile  oil  and  more  bitterness  than 
most  other  labiate  plants,  but  possesses  no  constituents  essentially  difter- 
ent  from  th(;m. 

I'r('pumtioiif<. — Extractum  scutollari-e  fluidum — fluid  extract  of  Scu- 
tellaria,—  United  States  Pharmacopada.     Conunonly  used  in  infusion. 

3Iedical  Properties  and  Uses. — This  and  several  unofficial  species  of 
skullcap  have  at  various  times  been  esteemed  of  medicinal  value,  but  on 
what  would  appear  to  be  doubtful  testimony.  They  are  almost  or  quite 
destitute  of  aromatic  projierties,  so  common  in  labiates,  and  hence,  one 
would  sujipose,  less  efficient  than  many  other  plants  of  the  order  whose 
medicinal  virtues  reside  in  their  essential  oils.  Again,  the  diseases  in 
which  Scutellaria  has  been  found  most  efficient,  namely,  hysteria  and 
hydrophobia,  add  not  a  little  to  one's  scepticism.  Hysteria  we  know  is 
quite  as  often  amena1)le  tv)  moral  treatment  as  to  drugs  ;  and  much  of  the 
hydrophobia  which  has  been  cured  has  been  undoubtedly  of  a  purely 
imaginary  character.  If,  then,  these  plants  do  really  possess  any  valuable 
medicinal  properties,  the  fact  is  yet  to  be  demonstrated. 

MARRUBIUM.— IIoREiiouND. 

Marrubium  vulgare  Linnc. — Tlorehonnd. 

Description.— CwXy-ii.  tubiilar,  5-  to  10-nerved,  5-  to  10-toothed,  the 
teeth  spinj',  the  alternate  ones  shorter.  Corolla  2-lipped  ;  upper  lip  erect, 
flattish  or  concave,  notched  ;  the  lower  spreading,  3-lobed,  the  middle 
lobe  broadest.     Stamens  4,  included  in  the  tube  of  the  corolla. 

A  perennial  herb.  Stem  ascending,  hoary-pubescent,  branching  at  the 
base,  1  to  2  feet  high.  Leaves  roundish  ovate,  creuate,  petiolate.  Flowers 
white,  in  capitate  whorls,  appearing  late  in  summer. 

IIul)ilat. — In  Avaste  places  ;  naturalized  from  Euroi)e. 

Parts  Used. — The  leaves  and  tops — United  States  Pharmacopam. 

Constituents. — Volatile  oil,  a  peculiar  bitter  principle,  marrubiin,  and 
connnon  vegetable  principles. 

Preparations. — Commonly  administered  in  infusion,  or  syrup. 

MeiUiral  Properties  and  C'sf.s. — Horehound  is  stimulant,  tonic,  and 
slightly  laxative.  In  warm  infusion  it  produces  diaphoresis,  and  is  often 
used  in  this  manner  in  the  early  stages  of  colds  ;  while  its  tonic  influence, 
when  taken  cold,  has  beeji  found  serviceable  in  cln'onic  pulmonai'y  dis- 
eases. 


IPOMCEA.  215 

LEONURUS.  — MoTiiEuwonT. 

Leonurus  Cardiaca  Linne. — Molhenoort. 

Description. — Calyx  5-nerved,  5-tootlied,  the  teeth  when  old  stiff  and 
prickly.  Corolla  2-lipped  ;  the  upper  lip  erect,  concave,  entire  ;  the  lower 
y-Iobed,  spreading.  Stamens  4,  ascending  under  the  upper  lip  of  the  co- 
rolla. 

A  perennial  herb.  Stem  erect,  slightly  hau-y,  2  to  4  feet  high.  Leaves 
long-petioled  ;  tlie  lower  rounded,  paluiately  lobed  ;  the  upper  cuneate  at 
the  base,  3-cleft,  the  lobes  lanceolate.  Flowers  ptdo  purple,  in  close  axil- 
lary whorls,  appearing  in  summer. 

^^"H  Used. — The  herb — not  official. 

Const ituenls. — Volatile  oil,  a  bitter  princijile,  and  common  vegetable 
constituents. 

Preparations. — Commonly  administered  in  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Motherwort  is  stimulant  and  slightly 
tonic.     In  warm  infusion  it  is  occasionally  used  to  promote  diaphoresis. 

CONVOLVULACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Chielly  twining  or  trailing  herbs,  rarely 
fihrubby,  with  alternate  leaves  or  scales.  Calyx  of  5  imbricated  sepals. 
Corolla  mouopetalous,  5-plaited  or  5-lobed,  convolute  in  the  bud.  Sta- 
mens 5,  inserted  in  the  tube  of  the  corolla.  Ovary  free,  2-,  rarely  3-celled 
or  sometimes  -l-celled  by  a  false  partition.     Fruit  a  2-  to  G-seeded  capsule. 

A  large  order  of  mostly  tropi(uil  plants,  many  of  which  are  cultivated 
for  ornament,  and  several,  as  jalap  and  scammony,  possess  important  me- 
dicinal properties. 

IPOJUEA. 

Ipomoea  pandurata  Meyer — 117/(^  Potato-Vine,  3Ian-nf -the- Earth. 

Description. — Calyx:  sepals  ovate-oblong,  obtuse,  smooth.  Corolla 
open  funnel-form,  3  inches  long,  white,  the  tube  tinged  with  purple.  Sta- 
mens included.     Capsule  2-celled,  4-seeded. 

An  herbaceous  perennial  with  a  very  large  thick  root.  Stems  long  and 
stout,  trailing  or  twining.  Leaves  cordate,  entire,  somewhat  acuminate,  on 
long  petioles.  Peduncles  longer  than  the  petioles,  1-  to  o-tlowered.  The 
flowers  arc  produced  during  summer. 

Habitat. — In  sandy  fields  from  Connecticut  to  Illinois  and  southward. 

Part  Used. — The  root — not  official. 

Coni<titudnts. — The  fresh  root,  when  wounded,  emits  a  milky,  resinous 
juice  which  probably  contains  its  active  principle. 

Preparations. — It  has  been  administered  in  powder  and  in  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — This  plant,  generically  alhed  with  jalap 


216 


SOLANACEyE. 


{Tpomrra  Jalapa),  possesses  similnr  proportios,  litit  of  a  mitcli  less  active 
character.  It  has  bc^on  used  to  a  hiiiitod  extent  only,  for  it  is  much  lesa 
eflicieut  than  jalap  and  many  other  common  purgatives. 


SOLANACEiC. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Herbs,  rarely  shrubs,  with  colorless  juico  and 
alternate  leaves.  Flowei-s  generally  regular,  5-merous,  on  jiedicels  without 
bracts.  Calyx  commonly  persistent.  Corolla  monopetalous,  valvate  or  con- 
volute in  the  bud,  often  plaited.  Stamens  inserted  in  the  tube  of  the 
corolla,  e(iual  in  number  to,  and  alternate  with  its  lobes.  Ovary  free, 
2-celled  ;  style  and  stigma  single.     Fruit  a  ben-y  or  pod. 

A  lai'ge   order   of   chiclly  tropical   plants.     In    general   they  contain 

narcotic  principles  ;  a  few  of 
them,  as  the  potato,  tomato, 
and  egg-plant,  aiVord  impor- 
tant articles  of  food.  Very 
)i\&  I     >^^T^  fe^y    of    the    strictly   North 

American  species  deserve 
mention  ;  those  described  be- 
low, though  mostly  intro- 
duced, are  so  widely  diffused, 
and  most  of  them  so  impor- 
tant, that  they  may  well  be 
considered,  for  our  purposes, 
as  indigenous. 

SOLANUM.  —NiGHTsuAnE. 

Solanum    Dulcamara 

Linni'. — Jiiller.^icect. 

Descripliun. — Calyx  per- 
sistent, 5-lobed,  the  lobes  ob- 
tuse, purple.  Corolln.  ro- 
tate, 5-lobed,  the  lobes  acute, 
reflexed,  piirph;,  with  two 
green  spots  at  the  base  ;  the 
tube  very  short.  Stamens  5,  short,  black  ;  anthers  yellow.  Berry  small, 
ovoid  or  globular,  red,  several-seeded. 

A  somewhat  shrubby  perennial.  Stems  flexuous,  trailing  or  climbing, 
often  several  feet  in  length.  Leaves  petiolate,  ovate  or  ovate-lanceolate, 
2  to  8  inches  long,  the  lower  entire,  the  upper  often  Avith  a  small  lobe  or 
segment  on  each  side,  glabrous  or  downy.  Flowers  rather  small,  in  loose 
cymes  on  lateral  peduncles  shorter  than  the  leu/es,  appearing  in  midsum- 
mer ;  they  have  a  heavy  nai'cotic  odor. 


FlO.  M6.— Solnnum  Dulcaniarti. 


PUYSALIS — GUOUND    CIIEKKY.  217 

Habitat. — In  moist  situations  ;  common.     Litroduced  from  Europe. 

Parts  C'stv/. — The  young  In-anches — i'niled  States  J'harmacopada. 

Constilacnts. — As  its  common  name  indicates,  this  phint  has  n  taste 
which  is  first  bitter,  then  sweet.  Its  only  important  constituent  thus  far 
discovered  is  a  peculiar  principle  termed  dalcamarin  ;  this  has,  to  an  intense 
degree,  the  taste  of  the  plant. 

l\ep(irations. — Extrac^tum  dulcamara-,  fluidum — fluid  extract  of  dul- 
camara.—  United  States  I'harmacojMua.  The  i)lant  is  frecpiently  adminis- 
tered in  decoction. 

3Zedicat  Properties  and  Uses. — Bittersweet,  in  full  doses,  produces  a 
certain  amount  of  cei'ebral  disturbance  of  a  narcotic  character,  together 
with  dryness  of  the  throat,  and  sometimes  an  erythematous  eruption  of  the 
skin,  with  a  tendency  to  diai)horesis.  It  has  been  employed  witli  benefit  in 
a  variety  of  cutaneous  eruptions,  in  nmscular  rheumatism,  and  in  chronic 
bronchial  and  jiulmonary  affections. 

This  plant  shoixld  be  carefully  distinguished  from  Wood//  Bittersweet 
{Celastras  scandens),  which  see. 

Another  species  of  this  genus,  S.  nigrum  Linno  {Btaeh  Xifjhtshadr),  also 
introduced,  and  very  common  in  waste  places  around  dwellings,  is  said  to 
possess  similar  properties. 

PIIY8ALIS.— GuOUND  CirERHY. 

Chnrader  of  the  Genus. — Calyx  5-clcft,  persistent,  enlarging  after  flower- 
ing, and  at  length  enclosing  the  berry.  Coi'olla  wheel-shaped  or  bell- 
shaped,  with  a  very  short  tube,  the  margin  5-lobed.  Stamens  5,  enclosed 
in  the  tube  of  the  coi'oUa.  Fruit  a  succulent,  2-celled  beiTy.  Annual  or 
perennial  herbs. 

Physalis  Alkekengi  Linnc. — Strawberry  Tomato,  Winter  Cherry. 

Description. — Calyx-teeth  awl-shaped  ;  fruiting  calyx  much  inflated, 
membranaceous,  turning  red  at  maturity.  Corolla-tube  very  short,  cover- 
ing the  stamens.     Berry  globular,  bright  red,  edible. 

A  perennial  herb.  Stem  1  to  1}  foot  high,  sparingly  branched,  more  or 
less  pubescent.  Leaves  large,  broadly  ovate,  pointed,  somewhat  narrowed 
at  the  base.  Flowers  solitary,  axillary,  greenish-white,  appearing  late  in 
summer. 

Habitat. — Introduced  from  Europe  ;  cultivated,  and  naturahzed  in  waste 
places. 

Physalis  Pennsylvanica  Linne. 

Description. — Calyx-lobes  variable  ;  fruiting  cah'x  conical  or  globular- 
ovate,  pointed,  with  an  impressed  base.  Corolla  5-angled  or  barely  5-  to 
10-toothed  ;  the  tube  marked  with  five  concave  spots.     Berry  red. 

A  perennial  herb.  Stem  1  foot  high,  erect  or  diffuse,  minutely  pubes- 
cent or  nearly  glabrous.     Leaves  ovate,  oblong,  or  oblong-lanceolate  and 


218 


SOLANACEyE. 


tapering  at  the  base,  entire  or  sparingly  repancl-tootbetl.     Flowers  solitaiy, 
axillary,  greenish-yellow,  darker  in  the  centre,  ai:)pearing  late  in  summer. 

Habitat. —In  dry  or  sandy  soil,  from  Pennsylvania  to  Florida  and  west- 
ward. 

I'ai-ts  Used. — The  herl>  and  fruit  of  C.  Alkekengi — not  oflicijj. 
Conditiu'.nlsi. — The    herb  contains  a  i^cciuliar  bitter  priiicii)le  termed 
physRliii  ;  the  berries  sugar  and  citric  acid. 

rrcparulions. — The  herb  has  been  employed  in  powder,  decoction,  and 
vinous  tinctui'e  ;  the  fruit,  fresh,  or  dried  and  powdered. 

Midical  Properties  and  Uses. — Physalis  appears  to  be  entirely  destitute 
of  acrid  and  nai'cotic  properties,  so  common  in  the  solanaccio.  Alkekengi, 
by  virtue  of  its  bitter  principle,  appears  to  bo  tonic  and  febrifuge.  It  has 
been  employed  in  Europe  in  intermittents  with  satisfactory  results.  The 
berries  are  pleasant  to  the  taste,  and  are  cultivated  for  the  same  purposes 
ns  other  small  fruits  of  the  garden.     They  have  been  employed  medicinally 

in  urinary  diseases,  and  in  gout, 
but,  considering  their  constitu- 
ents, one  would  not  naturally 
expect  them  to  be  very  active. 

The  indigenous  species  above 
described  probably  possesses 
similar  properties.  Several 
other  North  American  species 
might  also  be  included  in  the 
same  statement. 


HYOSC  Y  AMUS.  — H  kn  iian  ic. 


Hyoscyamus  nigerLinne. 

—  Ueiihanc. 

Description.  —  Calyx  b  e  11  - 
shaped  or  urn-shaped,  5-lobed, 
persistent,  the  lobes  broad,  stitT, 
almost  jirickly.  Corolla  funnel- 
form,  about  1  inch  long,  the 
border  5-lobed,  and  more  or  less  plaited.  Stamens  declined.  Capsule 
glolnilar,  enclosed  in  the  persistent  and  enlarged  calyx,  2-celled,  many- 
seeded,  opening  by  a  lid  at  the  top. 

An  annual  or  biennial  herb,  erect,  1  to  2  feet  high,  more  or  less  hairy 
and  viscid,  with  a  fetid,  nauseous  smell.     Leaves  rather  L-uge,  sessile  ;  the 
upper  ones  clasping,  ovate,  irregularly  pinnatifid.     Flowers  sessile,  in  one- 
sided leafy  spikes  ;  corolla  pale  dingy -yellow,  with  purplish  vines. 
Habitat. — Introduced  from  Europe  ;  naturalized  in  waste  places. 
Parts   Used. — The  leaves  collected  from  pltmts  of  the   second  years' 


Fio.  117. — nyoscyamns  nijfpr. 


DATURA. 


219 


growth — Uhited  Slaleft  Phnrmacopma.    The  seeds  are  also  employed,  and 
were  formerly  official. 

Conxlitucidff. — The  only  really  inii)ortant  conatituent  of  henbane  ai> 
pears  to  be  the  alkaloid  hyosci/aniia. 

Prcparnliona. — Abstractum  hyoscyarai — abstract  of  hyoscyamus  ;  ex- 
tractum  hyosoyan^i  alcoliolicum — alcoholic  extract  of  hyoscyamus  ;  ex- 
tractum  liyoscvaini  fhiidinn — fluid  extract  of  hyoscyamus  ;  tinctura  hyos- 
cyami — tincture  of  Lyoscyanuis  ;  hyosc^'aminic  sulphas— sulphate  of  liy- 
oscyamine.  —  United  Statca  Phnrmacopccia. 

Medical.  Projyerlies  and  f.V.s-. — Hyoscyamus  is  anodyne  and  liy2)notic, 
and  is  used  in  a  great  variety  of  cases  requiring  a  soothing  elt'ect  upon  the 
nervous  system.  In  general  terms,  it  may  be  said  to  have  been  employed 
formerly  in  nearly  the  same  class  of  cases  in  wliich  chloral  and  the  bro- 
)nides  are  at  present  so  largely  used.  As  an  anodyne  it  is  much  less  power- 
ful than  opium,  but  has  the  advantage  of  being  laxative  rather  than  con- 
stipating, and  of  producing  no  unpleasant  after-eilects.  As  a  hypnotic  it 
is  less  efficient  than  chloral, 
but  also  less  dangerous,  and 
much  less  likely  to  lead  to 
the  pernicious  habit  of  tak- 
ing sleeping  potions. 

Much  of  the  uncertainty 
attributed  to  hyoscyamus  is 
doubtless  duo  to  inefficient 
preparations,  made  from  old 
and  inert  specimens  of  the 
drug.  Even  hyoscyamia,  the 
active  principle,  is  rather 
unstable  and  unreliable. 
Hence  it  is  desirable  tliat 
preparations  should  be  made 
from  the  recent  herb  if  pos- 
sible. 


DATURA. 

Datura    Stramonium 

Linnc. — Stramonium,  Tliorn- 
Apple,  Jamestown  Weed. 

Description. — Calyx  tubular,  5-toothed,  the  upper  part  falling  off  after 
flowering,  while  a  small  portion  remains  as  a  circular  rim  about  the  base 
of  the  capsule.  Corolla  funnel-form,  spreading,  plaited,  about  3  inches 
long,  white,  the  margin  5-toothed.  Fruit  a  globular,  very  prickly  capsule, 
4-valved,  2-celled,  each  cell  incompletely  divided  into  2  others  by  a  false 


Fio.  MR.— Datura  Stramoniiiin. 


220  GENTIANACE^. 

partition  extending  nearly  to  the  top.  Seeds  very  numerous,  rather  large, 
Hut. 

A  coarse  glabrous  ammal.  Stem  erect,  1  to  3  feet  high,  with  spread- 
ing, forked  branches,  green.  Leaves  rather  largo,  ovate,  with  irregular, 
angular,  or  pointed  teeth  or  lobes.  Flowers  solitary,  on  short  peduncles, 
in  the  forks  or  at  the  ends  of  the  branches  ;  they  have  a  sickening  odor. 

A  plant  diirering  from  this  only  in  being  rather  more  robust,  and  in 
having  a  purplish  stem  and  pale  violet-purple  flowers,  is  recognized  by 
some  authors  as  a  distinct  species  under  the  name  Datum  Tulula  Linnc. 

JIahiliif. — Connnon  in  waste  places.  D.  Stramonium  is  a  native  of 
Asia  ;  U.  Tatula  is  rather  doubtfully  .attributed  to  tro^jical  America. 

Farla  Cued. — The  leaves  and  seeds  of  D.  Stramonium — Cniled  Stales 
Pharmacopwia.     D.  Tatula  is  just  as  efficient. 

Conslitusnts.—lUXiG  most  important  constituent  of  stramonium  is  the  al- 
kaloid daluria,  whicli  is  found  in  all  parts  of  the  plant.  Daturia  produces 
ctlects  similar  to  those  of  atropia,  and  is  said  by  some  chemists  to  be  a 
mixture  of  atropia  and  hyoscyamia. 

rrq>aralioii!<. — Of  the  leaves — no  official  preparations.  Of  the  seeds  : 
extractum  stramonii — extract  of  sti'amcnium  ;  extractum  stramonii  iluidum 
— fluid  extx'act  of  stramonium ;  tinctui'a  stramonii — tincture  of  stramo- 
nium ;  unguentum  stramonii— stramonium  ointment. —  Un'Ued  States  I'Jiar- 
macojxvia. 

Medical  Properties  and  I'ses. — In  its  effects  upon  the  human  system  in 
a  state  of  health,  stramonium  closely  resembles  belladonna  ;  therapeuti- 
cally, however,  each  of  the  two  seems  to  have  a  sphere  of  its  own.  Stra- 
monium is  employed  chiefly  in  spasmodic  diseases,  particularl}'  those  aft'ect- 
ing  the  resj^iratory  organs.  It  is  probably  more  used  in  .spasmodic  asthma 
than  in  all  other  diseases  taken  together.  Here  it  is  not  only  emplo3ed 
internally,  but  the  leaves  are  often  smoked,  the  smoke  being  iidialed,  with 
the  happiest  effect.  It  has  also  some  reputation  in  whooi)ii]g-cough,  dys- 
menorrhea, renal  colic,  etc.  Externally  the  freshly  bruised  leaves  and 
ointment  are  often  employed  in  rheumatism  and  other  painful  afiections. 

CENTIANACE^. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Herbs  with  opposite,  entire,  simple,  usually 
ribbed  leaves,  without  stipules.  Calyx  divided,  persistent.  Corolla  wither- 
ing-persistent, convolute,  rarely  imbricate  or  valvate  in  the  bud.  Stamens 
of  the  same  niimber  as  the  lobes  of  the  corolla,  alternate  with  them,  and 
inserted  on  its  tube.  Ovary  1-celled,  with  2  parietal  iilacentfc,  or  with 
nearly  the  whole  inner  face  of  the  ovary  bearing  ovules  ;  style  1 ;  stigmas 
2.  '  Fruit  commonly  a  2-celled,  many-seeded  pod. 

A  large  order  of  plants,  generally  possessing  bitter  tonic  properties. 


FUASERA — AMKUICAN    COLl  MliO.  221 


SAliBATIA.— Ameuican  Crntaiiry. 


Sabbatia  angularis  Pnrsli. — Amirican  Ccnlauri/. 

DeHcnplion. — Ciilyx  dt'cply  r)-i)arted.  CoroUji  deeply  5-p.artcd,  tlioovul 
lobes  twice  the  lenjjjth  of  the  calyx.  Stiiuieus  5,  inserted  on  the  sliort 
corolla-tiibo  ;  anthers  ohloiipf,  soon  recurved.  Stylo  lonj^er  than  the  sta- 
mens, declined  ;  Htigmas  '2.     Capsule  1-celled,  2-vHlved. 

A  smooth  biennial.  Stem  erect,  1  to  2  feet  high,  squant,  the  angles 
winged  ;  brancdies  axillai'v,  opposite.  Leaves  ovate,  entire,  somewhat  cor- 
date and  clasping  at  the  base.  Flowers  numerous,  large  and  showy,  rose- 
pink,  forming  a  large  corymb  ;  they  appear  late  in  summer. 

llabUal. — In  rich  dry  soil  from  New  York  to  Illinois  and  southward.     -^ 

Part   Ufitnl. — The  herb — not  otHcial. 

Cornet  it  lumt  f^.—Thifi,  and  probably  all  other  species  of  sabbatia,  contains 
a  bitter  principle  which  has  not,  as  yet,  been  isolated,  to  which  their  medi(^i- 
nal  virtue  is  due. 

I'rcpfiralions. — Commonly  administered  in  infusion. 

Medical  Prop^rlias  and  I'scs. — American  ('(nitavay  is  a  simple  Ijitter 
tonic.  It  was,  in  early  days,  used  in  intermittent  and  remittent  fevers, 
and  probablj',  like  other  agents  of  the  same  class,  sometimes  with  curative 
etlfect.  At  present  it  is  seldom  employed,  thougli  it  might  doubtless  be 
occasionally  beneficial  as  a  promoter  of  the  appetite,  and  an  aid  to  diges- 
tion in  ciises  of  debility  and  in  convalescence.  Several  other  indigenous 
species  are  said  to  possess  similar  or  identical  properties. 

FRASERA. — Amkuican  Columbo. 

Frasera  Carolinensis  Walter. — American  (hlnmho. 

Dt'.Kvriplion. — Calyx  4parted,  persistent.  Corolla  rotate,  4-parted,  the 
lobes  oblong,  niucrouate,  each  with  a  depressed  fringed  gland  on  the  upper 
face.  Stamens  4,  alternate  with  the  lobes  of  the  corolla.  Style  persist(>nt  ; 
stigmas  spreading.  Capsule  oval,  compressed,  1-celled,  2-valved  ;  seeds 
few,  largo,  borne  on  the  margins  of  the  valves. 

A  smooth  perennial  herb,  with  a  large  sjnndle-shaped  root.  Stem  cylin- 
drical, erect,  3  to  8  feet  high,  with  leaves  and  branches  mostly  in  whorls 
of  four.  Leaves  sessih^  lance-oblong,  the  lowest  spatulate.  Flowers 
greenish-yellow,  dotted  with  puri^le,  in  cymes  disposed  in  a  large  pyram- 
idal panicle,  appearing  in  naidsummer. 

JIabital. — In  I'ich  dry  soil,  from  Southern  New  York  to  Georgia  and 
westwai'd. 

Pari  Used. — The  root — foi'merly  official,  but  dropped  from  the  Pharma- 
copoeia in  1880. 

Constituents. — Gentisic  acid,  and  gentiopicrin,  both  of  which  are  found 


222  OENTIANACE^E. 

nlso  ill  {,'ciiti;m,  the  latter  bciii'j^  a  bittfr  principlo,  and  apparently  the  most 
iniportimt  iiu'cliciiial  constituent  of  tlio  plants. 

J 'reparations. — Coniinonly  adnunistercil  in  iiifunion. 

Medical  I'roperlie.ii  and  CVx. — In  the  recent  Htate,  American  colunibo 
iH  said  to  be  emetic,  and  cathartic,  but  when  dried  it  appoarH  to  possess 
only  bitter  tonic  properties  similar  to  those  of  gentian.  In  the  recent 
state,  it  has  been  employed  as  a  subHtitute  for  rhubarb,  but  it  is,  at  l)est, 
a  poor  one  ;  wliile,  as  a  tonic,  the  dried  drug  is  much  inferior  to  gentian 
or  true  columbo. 

GENTIANA— Gkntian. 

fVifirarfer  of  the.  Gents: — Calyx  4-  to  H-cleft.  Corolla  4-  to  5-lobed, 
usufdly  with  intermediale  smalhu"  segments.  Stamens  4  to  /).  Ovary 
1-celled  ;  stylo  short  or  absent ;  stigmas  2,  persistent.  Fruit  a  1-celled, 
2-valved,  man}'  seeded  capsule. 

Perennial  herbs  with  opposite,  ribbtnl  leaves.  Flowers  solitary  or 
cymose,  commonly  blu(>,  though  sometimes  white,  yellow,  or  even  red, 
appearing  late  in  summer  or  in  autumn. 

All  gentians  are  more  or  less  bitter,  and  all  possess  medicinal  activity, 
though  few  indigenous  species  have  been  subjected  to  experiment.  Those 
described  below  we  selected  more  as  common  representatives  of  the  genus 
as  found  in  dirt'orent  sections  of  the  country  than  because  of  their  reputa- 
tion as  therapeutic;  agents. 

Gentiana  crinita  Froel. — Fringed  Gentian. 

Description. — Calyx  4-cleft,  the  lobes  unequal,  ovate  and  lanceolate,  as 
long  as  the  tube  of  the  corolla.  Corolla  funnel-form,  deeply  4-partod,  the 
lobes  obovate,  wedge-shapod,  the  summit  tinely  and  beautifully  fringed. 
Stamens  4  ;  filaments  as  long  as  the  corolla-tube.     Pod  sliort-stalkcd. 

Stem  erect,  smooth,  1  to  2  f<>et  high.  Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  some- 
what cordate  or  rounded  at  the  base.  Flowers  solitary  on  long  peduncles, 
terminating  the  stem  or  simple  branches.  Corolla  2  inches  long,  sky-blue, 
showy. 

Tfafjitnt. — In  low  grounds  from  New  England  to  Wisconsin  and  south- 
ward.     A  common  and  very  beautiful  species. 

Gentiana  ochroleuca  Froel. —  Yiilon-ixlMrhife  Gentian. 

Description. — Calyx  5-parted,  the  lobes  linear,  unequal,  erect.  Corolla 
bell-shaped,  Avith  plaited  appendages  between  the  lobes,  one-third  or  oue- 
half  longer  than  the  calyx.     Antliers  erect,  separate. 

Stem  ascending  ^  to  1  foot  high,  mostly  smooth.  Leaves  oblong  or 
obovate-oblong,  narrowed  at  the  base,  the  upper  ones  narrower  and  acute. 
Flowers  in  a  dense  terminal  cluster,  and  in  axillary  clusters.  Corolla 
open,  1  to  IJ  inch  long,  greenish-white,  striped  with  green  and  purple 
veins  within. 

HaJntat.-^ln  dry  grounds  from  Southern  Pennsylvania  southward. 


MKNYANTIIE.S.  22.'i 

Gentiana  Andrewsii  CJrisebuclj. — Closed  Gentian. 

Ifcticriplion.  -Ciih'K  .l-piirtcd,  llic  loln-s  i>viito,  rcciirvotl,  Kliortor  tliim 
ilic  tiil)('.  ('oi'ollu  intlatcd  club-slmixMl,  dosed  iit  the  nioutli,  tlu!  broiid, 
short,  rounded  lolxs  reiiminiiifj;  in  iippositiou  und  coneeiilin}^  tin;  intoriiu!- 
(liiite  friufjfed  appondiij^'es.  Authera  connivcut.  Pud  at  length  projecting 
from  the  iJorsiHtent  corolla. 

Stem  creet,  Hinooth,  simple  or  sparingly  hranflicd,  1  to  2  feet  high. 
Leaves  ovate-lanceolato,  acute,  narnnved  at  the  base.  Flowers  in  terminal 
aud  axillary  clusters  ;  corolla  1  to  l.\  inch  long,  pale  blue,  sometimes  white. 

Halnlal. — Iii  rich  moist  situations ;  the  most  common  spocics  north- 
ward. 

Gentiana  puberula  ^riclmux  {(1.  Catrsfxf/  Elliott). — Illun  Gentian. 

Dcxcripdon. — Caly.x  5-parted,  the  lobes  lanceolate,  about  as  long  as  the 
t\ibe.  Corolla  large,  open,  thv'  lobes  ovate,  spreading,  2  to  4  tunes  as  long 
as  the  eut-toothed  appendages.     Anthers  connivent. 

Stem  erect  or  ascending,  1  to  l.V  foot  high,  rough  or  slightly  pubes- 
cent. Leaves  lanceolate  or  linear-LuK^eolate,  rough-margined.  Flowers 
in  axillary  and  terminal  clusters  ;  corolla  bright  blue,  lined  with  yellow  and 
deeper  1)lue. 

Uuhitat. — Dry  ijraiiics  and  barrens  from  Ohio  to  Wisconsin  and  south- 
ward. 

Part  Vi^fd. — Tlie  root — not  official.  That  of  the  last  described  species 
was  formerly  official,  but  was  dropped  from  the  Pharmacopona  in  IHHO. 

ConslifucntK. — Nothing  of  a  positive  nature  is  known  of  the  chemical 
constituents  of  these  i)lants,  thougli  they  are  supposed  to  be  identical  witli 
those  of  the  otlicial  species,  G.  Inlca. 

Preparations. — Water  extracts  the  bitter  principle  of  these  plants,  hence 
they  may  be  employed  in  infusion  or  decoction. 

Medical  Properties  and  Cxes. — There  is  probably  no  other  difl'erence 
than  of  degree  between  the  therapeutic  elfect  of  tluiso  and  the  otlicial 
si)ecies,  aud  they  may  be  employed  for  like  purposes. 

MENYANTIIES, 

IVIenyanthes  trifoliata  Linne. — /iud-beat),  Jlfar.'^h  Trefoil. 

Dct^cription. — Calyx  5-j3arted,  the  lobes  obtuse.  Corolla  rotate  or  short 
funnel-form,  more  than  twice  as  long  as  the  calyx,  5-parted,  deciduous, 
the  ujiper  surface  white  bearded,  the  lobes  valvate  in  the  bud  with  the 
margins  turned  inward.  Stamens  5,  as  long  as  the  corolla.  Style  slender, 
persistent  ;  stigma  2-lobed.  Capsule  1-celled,  many-seeded,  bursting  ir- 
regularly. 

An  herbaceous  perennial  with  a  long,  round,  jointed,  liorizonital  rhi- 
zome, with  numerous  fibrous  rootlets.  Leaves  trifoliate,  iipon  long  sheath- 
ing petioles,  which  proceed  from  the  end  of  the  rhizome  ;  leaflets  oval  or 


224  LC(»ANIACE.E. 

oblonpf,  ontiro  o;  Muntly  driiticulftto,  ftmootli.     Floworft  rnpomoso  on  ft 
naked  Hoapc  1  '  lot  liirh,  wliitd  or  reddish,  a|ii)<'iiriii}^' in  3[iiv  or  .lunc. 

llnbilat.—  A  1  !)g8  .rum  Now  England  to  Pennsylvania,  WisconKin,  and 
northward. 

I'arix  IWd. — Tlio  rhizomo  and  loavcH — not  oflloial.  ^[ 

(\n)Klilii(')dx. — ^V  hitter  principle,  termed  mc>nja)ill,i,i,  appoarn  to  he 
the  oidy  active  constituent. 

I'ycpnralionx. — Infusion,  decclion,  and  alcoholics  tinctiu'e. 

Mfiliral  IVojx-rlu'x  and    ^  w«. — Buckhean   posHesses    the  hitter   tonie 
])roperties  common  to  the  j^entianaceas  and  also  has  some  cathartic  power, 
hence  it  may  bo  used  in  cases  rociiiirinj?  a  tonic  ajid  laxative  eft'cct. 
>■ 

LOCANIACE^. 

Owraolcr  of  iho  Order. — Herbs,  shrubs,  or  trees,  with  opposite,  entire, 
stipulate  leaves.  Calyx  \-  to  ^-parted.  Corolla  4-  to  5-clet't  or  parted,  con- 
volute, valvate,  or  imbricate  in  the  bud.  Stamens  4  to  /),  not  always  of 
tlie  same  nuPiber  as  the  lobes  of  the  corolla.  Ovary  free  from" calyx.  I'Vuit 
a  capsule  ov  berry. 

An  oi'der  of  plants  inhabiting  the  tropics  chietly,  generally  possessing 
active  poisonou'*  properties.  Strychnos,  Celscmium  and  Spigelia  are  well- 
known  examples. 

rJELSEMIUM.— Yellow  Jers-^mink. 

Gelsemium  sempervirens  Alton. — YpUoio  .h'smminp. 

/)rs(ription. — Calyx  small,  5-parted,  the  lobes  lanceolate,  acute.  Corolla 
funnel-form,  J  to  1\  inch  long,  the  margin  5-lobed,  the  lobes  imbricated 
in  the  bud.  Stamens  5,  half  as  long  as  the  corolla,  upon  which  they  are 
inserted  ;  anthers  oblong,  sagittate.  Style  longer  than  the  stamens  ;  stig- 
mas 2,  cacli  2-partcd.  Pod  elliptical,  flattened  contrai"}'  to  the  partition, 
2-celled,  2-valved,  many-seeded. 

A  smooth,  twining,  slnnibby  perennial.  Leaves  opposite,  entire,  ovate 
or  lanceolate,  pctiolate,  smooth  and  shining,  nearly  evergreen.  Flowers 
showy  and  fragrant,  in  short  axillary  clusters ;  pedicels  with  scaly  bracts. 
The  flowers  ajipear  in  !March  and  April. 

HahHaL — In  low  groiinda  fi'om  Virginia  to  Florida  ;  often  cultivated  for 
ornament. 

Parts  Used. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets — United  States-  Pharmarnjnrui. 

Covs^tifurnf.'i. — In  addition  to  common  vegetable  principles,  there  exist 
in  gelsemium  a  peculiar  alkaloid,  geheminia  and  gelsemvuc  acid,  the  latter 
being  identical  with  (esridiu.  a  principle  found  in  the  horse-chestnut. 

rrejiaration?. — Extractum  gelsemii  fluidum — fluid  extract  of  gelsemium  ; 
tinctura  gelsemii — tincture  of  gelsemium. —  United  Slates  Phwmacopii^ia. 


PLATE  VII 


•lohHsoiiOf  1, 


GELSEMIUM    SEMPERVIRENS. 


M.Hr,r«<-KK.  I.ITH    N   T 


1i 


; 


PLATE  Vll.-celsemium  sempervirens. 

Fui.  1.— A  flowering  bnuich. 

Fi(i.  2.— Ciiljx  iiiul  pistil. 

Fia.  3.-Corollu  witl.  stamen«-all  natural  size. 


I! 


SPIGELIA — PINKUOOT.  227 

Medical  rrojyerlies  and  Uaes. — Golseinium  is  a  very  powerful  drug 
whoso  therapeutic  hmitatious  are  uot,  as  yet,  accurately  cletiued.  In  toxic 
doses — aud,  unfortunately,  these  have  been  only  too  i'r('(|uoutly  adminis- 
tered— it  produces  paralysis  of  both  motion  anil  sensation,  without,  how- 
ever, greatly  atlecting  the  mind,  except  in  rare  instances.  In  fatal  cases, 
after  motion  is  entirely  destroyed,  the  respiration  becomes  progressively 
more  aud  more  labored,  and  finally  ceases  from  paralysis  of  the  respiratory 
muscles.  Occasionally  death  is  preceded  by  convulsions  and  coma,  but 
usually  the  mind  is  clear  nearly  to  the  last.  These  severe  cH'ects  of  the 
drug,  moreover,  have  not  always  borne  a  definite  relation  to  th-^  size  of 
the  dose  administered.  In  other  words,  there  seems  to  be  an  amount  of 
uncertainty  about  the  action  of  the  di-ug  which,  on  the  one  hand,  adds  to 
its  dangei',  and  on  the  other,  detracts  from  its  value  as  a  therapeutic  agent. 
In  some  cases,  quite  nnexpcctedly,  poisonous  effects  have  followed  doses 
supposed  to  be  far  within  the  limits  of  safety  ;  in  others,  much  larger  doses 
have  failed  to  2:»roduce  the  therapeutic  eiit'ects  desired  and  expected.  Re- 
garding its  therapeutic  applications,  rejecting,  as  we  reasonably  niiiy,  all 
its  claims  to  specitic  etlect  in  certain  diseases,  there  seems  to  remain  no 
other  just  place  for  it  except  in  febrile  and  inflammatoiy  afVections  of  a 
decided  sthenic  typo.  That  in  such  cases  it  n}ay  moderate  or  subdue 
febi'ile  action,  through  it*  powerfully  depressant  ellects,  is  very  evident  ; 
but  that  the  desired  results  can  be  obtained  more  readily  and  more  snl'ely 
by  this  drug  than  by  several  other  better  known  and  more  certain  agents, 
certainly  rerpiires  demonstration.  Itleanwhile  the  judicious  physician  will 
suspend  judgment,  or,  at  least,  expeximent  with  great  caution. 

SPIGELIA.— PiNKUOOT. 

Spigelia  Marilandica  Linne. — Pinkront. 

Description. — Calyx  deeply  5-parted,  the  lobes  very  slender,  pointed, 
persistent.  Corolla  live  times  as  long  as  the  calyx,  tubular  funnel-fovm, 
somewhat  inflated  toward  the  summit,  the  border  with  5  acute,  spreading 
segments.  Stamens  5,  very  short,  inserted  in  the  mouth  of  the  corolla 
and  alternate  with  the  segments.  Ovary  small,  ovate,  free  ;  style  longer 
than  the  corolla,  slender,  jointed  near  the  middle,  hairy  above.  Capsule 
double,  consisting  of  2,  cohering,  1-celled,  few-seeded  carpels  which  sepa- 
rate at  maturity,  and  open  loculicidally. 

An  herbaceous  perennial,  with  a  short  rhizome,  beset  with  nunu.rous 
fibrous  rootlets.  Stems  several  from  the  same  rhizome,  erect,  ^  to  H  foot 
high,  simple.  Leaves  opposite,  sessile,  ovate,  acuminate,  entire,  smooth, 
with  the  margins  and  veins  somewhat  pubescent.  Flowers  spiked,  in  one- 
sided cymes  ;  the  sjiikes  simple  or  forked,  short,  appearing  in  June  and 
July.  The  corolla  is  1^  inch  long,  scarlet  or  mnison  without,  yellow 
within,  and  very  showy. 


228 


APOCYNACE/E. 


Habitat. — In  rich  woods  from  Peuusylvciniii  to' Wisconsin  and  south- 
ward. 

Furls  L'aed. — Tho  rhizome  and  rootlets — United  Stales  I'hurmacopdm. 

Coudi.luents. — A  pecuHur  bit- 
ter ])rinciple,  volatile  oil,  resin, 
tiumin  and  other  common  vege- 
table principles.  Upon  which 
of  its  choniical  constituents  its 
thenipeutic  virtues  depend  is 
not  known. 

Preparations.  —  Extractum 
spigelia  lluidum— Huid  extract 
of  spigelia. —  United  States  Vhar- 
iiiaenpa'ia.  It  is  most  commonly 
administered  in  infusion  or  de- 
coction. 

Medical  Prvjxjiies  and  Uses. 
— Spigelia  enjoys  a  high  reputa- 
tion among  the  laity  as  a  I'cmedy 
for  lumbricoid  worms,  l)ut,  as  it 
is  commonly  administei'ed  with 
senna,  there  is  a  diflerence  of 
opinion  as  to  which  of  the  drugs 
is  the  more  active  agent  iy  tlic 
destruction  of  the  worms.  How- 
ever this  may  be,  spigelia  is  certainly  entitled  to  a  share  of  the  credit.  It  is 
even  capable  of  producing  toxic  efYects  upon  the  human  subject,  such  as 
drowsiness,  muscular  tremor,  strabismus,  and  convulsions,  hence  the  jDrac- 
tice  of  administering  it  in  large  and  often-repeated  doses  to  young  chil- 
dren, upon  the  bare  suspicion  of  the  presence  of  worms,  cannot  be  too 
strongly  condennied. 

APOCYNACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Plants  with  opposite,  rarely  alternate,  exstipu- 
late  leaves,  and  generally  an  acrid,  milky  juice.  Calyx  5-parted.  Corolla 
H-parted,  the  lobes  convolute  in  the  bud.  Stamens  .5,  inserted  on  the  co- 
rolla ;  filaments  distinct.  Ovaries  2,  distinct,  but  with  styles  united.  Fruit 
a  pod. 

A  large  order  of  chiefly  tropical  plants,  represented  in  North  America 
by  only  a  few  genera. 

APOCYNUM.— DouKAN-. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Calyx  5-parted,  smud,  the  lobes  acute.  Co- 
rolla 5-cleft,  bearing  5  triangular  scales  in  the  throat  opposite  the  lobes. 


Tic.  110. — SpiKPlia  Mnrilandica. 


APOCYNUM — DOGIJAXE.  220 

Stamens  5,  inserted  on  the  base  of  the  eoroUa  ;  lilaiaents  flat,  shorter  than 
the  saj^ittate  anthers.  Style  none  ;  stigma  larf^o,  slightly  2-lobe(l.  Fruit 
eonsists  of  2  loiiy,  (roriaceous  pods  ;  seeds  numerous,  ovoid,  with  u  long 
tuft  of  silky  down  at  the  apex. 

Perennial  herljs  with  upright,  bi'anehing  stems,  opposite,  inucronatc- 
pointed  leaves,  tough  fibrous  bark,  and  small,  pale,  terminal  or  axillary 
flowers,  on  short  pedicels. 

Apocynum  androscemifolium  Linne. — Dogbane 

JM<i-rij)liiJii. — Stem  2  to  IJ  feet  high,  smooth,  often  pnii^lish,  with 
forked  branches  above.  Leaves  ovate,  petiolate,  smooth  or  somewhat 
downy.  Flowers  in  loose  spreading  cymes  ;  corolla  bell-shaped,  the  lobes 
revolute,  the  tube  longer  than  the  ovate,  pointed  segments  of  the  calyx, 
pale  rose-color,  appearing  in  June  and  July. 

llahilid. — In  copses,  and  borders  of  -woods  ;  common. 

Apocynum  cannabinum  Linnr. — Indian.  I/<:inp. 

lh'f<cri.p/i(ni. — Stem  and  branches  erect  or  ascending,  2  to  8  feet  high, 
smooth.  Leaves  oblong  or  oblong-lanceolate,  obtuse  or  rounded,  or  the 
uppermost  acute  at  both  ends,  petiolate.  Flowers  smalk'r  than  in  the  pre- 
ceding, in  close,  many-flowered  cymes  ;  corolla-lobes  nearly  erect,  the  tube 
not  longer  than  the  lanceolate  .segments  of  the  calyx,  greenish-white,  ap- 
pearing in  July  and  August.     A  sonnnvhat  variable  species. 

Ifabildf. — In  shady  places  ;  (!ommon. 

/\ni  I'sed. — The  root  of  A.  cannabinum — United  Slalom  Phcn'macofcia. 
The  root  of  the  other  species  is  also  used. 

CuHHlitaenlii. — The  active  principles  of  these  plants  have  not  been  iso- 
lated. 

rr('pa7'a(ion><. — They  ai"e  usually  employed  in  decoction. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — A.  cannabinum  is  diajjlioretic,  diuretic, 
emetic,  and  cathartic.  It  has  been  used  chiefly  in  dropsy,  and  is  said  to 
possess  some  advantages  over  many  hydrogogues  in  that  it  acts  not  only 
upon  the  bowels  but  powerfully  also  upon  the  skin  and  kidneys.  The 
other  species  possesses  similar  properties,  but  is  believed  to  be  less  active. 

ASCLEPIADACE/E. 

Character  of  (lie  Order. — Plants  with  opposite  or  whorled,  rai'ely  scat- 
tering, exstii)ulate  leaves,  and  a  milky  juice.  Calyx  u-jjarted.  Corolla  5- 
parted,  the  lobes  commonly  valvate  in  the  bud.  Stamens  5,  inserted  in 
the  corolla  ;  iilaments  commonly  united  into  a  tul)e  which  encloses  the 
pistil ;  anthers  adherent  to  the  stigma  ;  pollen  cohering  into  graimlar  or 
wax -like  masses.     Fruit  a  pod. 

A  large  order  of  chiefly  tropical  plants,  represented  in  North  America 
by  only  a  few  comparatively  unimportant  {genera. 


230  ASCLKPIADACE.E. 


ASCLEPIAS.— Mir.KWEKn, 


Charndcr  of  (ha  Genus. — Calyx  ^-parlcd,  persistent,  ilio  lo1)os  small, 
spread iu}^".  Corolla  deeply  5-parted,  the  lubes  b(!iit  downward  toward  the 
stalk  ;  within  the  petals  are  5  hooded  processes,  each  with  an  incurved 
horn,  forming  what  is  called  the  crown,  and  enclosing  the  stamen-tube. 
Stamens  ~),  inserted  in  the  base  of  the  corolla  ;  lilaments  united  into  a  tube 
wliich  em-loses  the  pistil  ;  anthers  adherent  to  the  stigma,  each  with  "2 
vertical  c(;lls,  each  cell  containing  a  flattened  pear-shaped  mass  of  pollen. 
Ovaries  2 ;  styles  united  ;  stigma  1,  fleshy,  H-angled.  Follicles  2,  one  of 
them  often  aboi'tive,  ovate  or  somewhat  curved,  Bi)indle-shaped  ;  seeds  nu- 
'  erous,  tufted  with  soft  silky  hairs. 

Perennial  herbs  with  thick,  deep-growing  roots.  Flowers  terminal  or 
lateral  in  sini[)le,  many-flowered  umbels. 

Ascleplas  cornuti  Decaisne  {A.  Si/riaca  Liime). — Milhiveod,  Silkweed. 

Description. — Hoods  of  the  crown  ovate,  obtuse,  with  a  lobe  or  tootli 
on  each  side  of  the  short  and  stout  horn.  Pods  ovate,  woolly,  and  rough, 
with  soft  spines.  Stem  simple,  erect,  stout,  3  to  4  feet  high.  Leaves  op- 
posite, oblong-ovate,  with  short  petioles,  smooth  above,  minutely  downy 
beneath,  pale  green.  Umbels  many-flowered,  terminal  and  lateral  in 
pedicels  shorter  than  the  leaves ;  flower.s  greenish-j)urple,  appearing  in 
midsummer. 

JIahilat. — Common  everywhere. 

Asclepias  incarnata  Limie. — Swamp  Milkivml. 

J)cscripli(jn. — Hoods  of  the  crown  scaiT.ely  iis  long  as  the  slender, 
pointed  horn.  Pods  conunonly  smooth  and  glabrous.  Stem  erect,  brand- 
ing, 2  to  3  feet  high,  leafy  to  the  top.  Leaves  opposite,  oblong-lanceolate, 
acute  or  pointed,  obtuse  or  obscurely  cordate  at  the  base,  with  short  pcti- 
oles.  Umbels  numerous,  erect,  mostly  terminal,  often  in  opposite  pairs  ; 
flowers  roso-purple,  appearing  in  midsummer. 

A  somewhat  variable  species,  sometimes  more  or  less  haiiy-pubescent, 
again  nearly  smooth. 

Habilat. — In  wet,  swampy  places  ;  common. 

Asclepias  tuberosa  Linne, — Ihaierjhiiceed — Pleurisy-Pioot. 

Jh'xcriptio)). — Hoods  of  the  crown  narrowly  oblong,  scarcely  longer  than 
the  nearly  erect,  slender,  pointed  horns,  bright  orange ;  corolla  lobes 
greenish-orange.  Pods  lanceolate,  hoary.  Stems  numerous  from  a  large 
fleshy  rhi/ome  1  to  2  feet  high,  very  leafy.  Leaves  numerous,  scattered, 
some  of  them  opposite,  oblong-lanceolate  or  linear,  sessile  or  short-petioled. 
Umbels  corymbose  at  the  summit  of  the  stem  and  branches  ;  flowers  very 
showy,  ajipearing  late  in  summer. 

Ilnbilat. — In  dry  lields,  and  along  roadsides  ;  common  southward. 

Part  Used. — The  root  of  A-  tuberosa — United  States  Pharmacopceia. 
The  roots  of  A.  incarnata  and  A.  cornuti  were  formerly  official,  but  Avero 


FKAXINUS — ASII.  231 

(Hfimisscd  from  tlio  Pliarmacopa'ia  in  1880.  Thoy  are  probably  little  lesa 
eflicicut  than  the  oflicial  specie's. 

Coiisliliicnltt. — A.  tuberosu  has  yielded  to  analysis,  besides  common 
vegetable  principles,  two  resins,  and  a  peculiar  i)rinciple  jjossessing  tho 
taste  of  tho  root.  The  other  species  have  been  analysed  with  somewhat 
similar  residts. 

PirpnratioDs. — None  are  official.  Thoy  are  commonly  administered  in 
decoction.  Extracts  and  oleo-resinous  preparations  occnr  as  commercial 
articles. 

Medical  ProperUas  and  Uiieii.  —Tho  various  species  of  asckpias  have 
been  employed  with  diuretic,  diaphoretic,  expectorant,  emetic,  and  even 
purj^ativc  eii'ect.  They  have  also  been  credited,  thou;^h  on  iiistifficicnt 
grounds,  with  specific  action  in  certain  diseases.  Their  diuphovetic 
effects  have  been  found  useful  in  acute  pulmonary  aitd  bronchial  affections 
and  in  rheumati  >iu. 

OLEACE^. 

Character  of  tlie  Order. — Trees  or  shrubs  with  opposite,  sim])le  or  com- 
pound leaves,  and  perfect  or  unisexual  ffowers.  Calyx  -l-tileft,  sometimes 
ob.solete.  Corolla  -i-cleft,  or  of  4  separate  petals,  sometimes  wanting. 
Stamens  2,  rarely  8  or  4,  Ovary  free,  '2-colled,  commoidj'  2-ovuled. 
Fruit  drupaceous,  baccate,  capsular  or  samaroid. 

An  order,  taking  its  name  fi'om  the  olive  (Olea  Eitropam),  Avhich  com- 
prises about  20  genera  and  150  species,  mostly  natives  of  temperate  regions. 
Its  most  important  representatives  in  North  America  are  found  in  the 
genua 

PRAXINUS.— Asm 

Fraxinus  Americana  hhmc.— White  Axk. 

Vcscrii'iion. — Calyx  minute,  4-toothed,  pen'sistent.  Corolla  wanting. 
Stamens  2,  rarely  3  or  4.  Style  single,  stigma  2-cleft.  Fruit  a  samara,  flat- 
tened, winged  at  the  apex,  1-  to  2-seeded. 

A  large  tree,  CO  to  HO  feet  high,  with  gray  furrowed  bark,  smooth  gray 
branchlets,  and  rusty-colored  buds.  Leaves  12  to  14  inches  long,  un- 
equally pinnate  ;  leaflets  7  to  9,  ovate  or  lauce-oblong,  pointed,  entire, 
rarely  denticulate,  light-green  above,  pale  and  either  smooth  or  pubescent 
underneath.  Flowers  di(ccious,  in  crow-ded  jwinicles  or  racemes,  from  the 
axils  of  the  preceding  year's  leaves.  Fruit  terete  below,  expanded  above 
into  a  lanceolate,  oblanceolate,  or  wedge-linear  wing. 

Halritat. — Kiver  banks  and  margins  of  sv^amps  from  Canada  to  I'lorida. 

Part  Uf<ed. — The  inner  bark — not  official. 

Constituents. — Unknown. 

Prcpa rations. — It  has  been  used  in  infusion  and  vinous  tincture. 


232  AlllSTOLOCIIIACK.E. 

Mt'dicnl  Properties  and  Vsuft. — The  bark  of  white  jish  has  heen  used 
witli  asserted  boncfit  in  dysinenorrhaia,  but  as  so  many  other  drugs  have 
attaiuetl  a  sliort-Uved  reputation  in  tliis  atiectiou,  only  to  fall  into  disre- 
pute Avhen  Hul)j(!cted  to  more  extended  experiments,  this  one  may  be  ex- 
pected to  follow  them.  Still  it  appears  desirable  that  the  American  ashes 
be  invest i<j;ated,  since  at  least  two  European  species  arc  possessed  of  valu- 
able medicinal  i)roperties,  one  of  them,  K  onms  Linne,  furnishin',''  the 
manna  of  couimerce,  Stsveral  of  our  s2)eci(!S  have  been  used  to  some  ex- 
tent, both  iu  domestic  and  regular  practice,  but  the  results  lU'e  as  yet  iu- 
deliuite. 


Division  ILL — Apetalotts  Exooknous  Plants. 

C!orolla  wanting,  the  calyx  l)eing  tlu!  only  floral  envelope  ;  sometimes 
even  tliis  is  absent,  and  then  the  llower  is  uaked. 

ARISTOLOCHIACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Low  herbs  or  twining  jjlants  with  apetalous, 
perfect  Howcrs.  Calyx  valvate  in  the  bud,  and  coherent  with  the  (i-colled 
ovary.  Stamens  (5  to  12,  more  or  less  united  witli  the  style.  Fruit  a  G- 
celled,  many-seeded  pod  or  beriy. 

A  small  order  of  chietly  tropical  plants,  rejwesented  in  North  America 
by  two  genera,  namely  Asaruiu  and  Aristolochia,  both  comprising  medici- 
nal species. 

ASARUM.— Wild  Ginger. 

Asarum  Canadense  Linne. —  Wild  Ginger. 

JJescripfion. — Calyx  bell-shaped,  3-parted,  the  lobes  pointed,  abruptly' 
spreading,  dull  puri)lo  inside  ;  at  each  sinus  is  usually  a  small  awl-shaped 
appendage.  Stamens  12  ;  filaments  slender,  united  Avith  the  base  of  the 
styles,  the  latter  united  into  one,  (J-lobed  at  the  summit,  with  G  radiating 
stigmas.     Fruit  a  flesh}',  globular  pod,  bursting  irregularly. 

A  low,  steuiless,  perennial  herb  with  a  creeping  rhizome.  Leaves  a 
single  pair,  radical,  membranaceous,  reniform,  more  or  less  pointed,  4  to 
5  inches  wide  when  full-grown,  on  long  petioles.  Flower  solitary,  on  a 
short  i^etiole,  appearing  early  iu  spring. 

Habitat. — In  rich  upland  woods ;  common  northward. 

Parla  U.sed. — Tiic  rhizome  and  rootlets.  Formerly  official  but  dropped 
from  the  Pharmacopona  in  1880. 

Constituents. — An  aromatic  volatile  oil  and  an  acrid  resin,  besides  com- 
mou  vegetable  principles.  ,::-;-^ -•- 


AUISTOLOCIIIA — niUTIIWOUT. 


233 


Prf^>rirnf!n)}K. — Commonly  fulministorod  in  infusion. 

Medical,  /^•opniir^  and  I'sfs. — "Wild  f^inj^'or  ]i;is  ji  peculiar,  punji^rnt,  aro- 
matic tiistc,  and  is  an  aromatic  stimulant.  In  hot  infusion  it  produces 
diaphoresis,  and  may  relieve  the  pains  of  colic.  It  is,  however,  less  aji^rco- 
able  to  most  persons  than  many  other  drugs  of  its  class,  and  scarcely  de- 
serves to  rank  as  a  medicinal  agent. 

ARIHTOLOCIIIA.— BiRTiiwouT. 


Aristolochia  Serpentaria  Limu'. —  Viir/inin  Snalrmot. 

Description. — Calyx  tubular,  contorted,  bent  in  the  shape  of  the  letter 
.S',  dilated  at  both  extremities,  the  limb  5-lobed,  and  stjmewhat  2-lipped. 
Stamens  (5,  the  sessile  anthers  ad- 
herent to  the  ;5-lobcd  sigma.    Pod 
G-valved,  (J-angled,  many-seeded. 

A  percmnial  herb.  Stems  f?cv- 
eral,  from  a  short,  fibrous-rooted 
rhizome ;  they  are  simple  or 
slightly  branched,  llexuous,  some- 
what swollen  at  the  joints,  about 
one  foot  high,  often  tinged  with 
red,  especially  near  the  base. 
Leaves  alternate,  ovate  or  oblong, 
cordate  or  halberd-shaped  at  the 
base,  pointed,  entire,  petiolate. 
Flowers  near  the  root,  axillary, 
on  short  peduncles,  of  a  stiff 
leathery  texture  and  a  dull  brown- 
ish-purple color,  aiipeariug  in  mid- 
simnner. 

Ifabifnt. — In  rich  woods  from 
Connecticut  to  Indiana  and  south- 
ward ;  most  common  along  the 
Alleghanies. 

l^artu  I'scfl. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets.  Official  name  :  Serpentaria — 
United  States  Pliarmaeopwia. 

Const  it  nerdii. — A  small  i^roportion  of  volatile  oil,  an  amorphous  bitter 
principle,  and  common  vegetable  constituents. 

Preparations. — Extractura  serpentarire  fluidum — fluid  extract  of  ser- 
pentaria ;  tinctura  serpentarije — tincture  of  serpentaiia.  One  of  the 
constituents  of  tinctura  cinchona)  composita — compound  tincture  of  cin- 
chotia. —  United  States  Pharniacopn'ia.     An  infusion  was  formerly  official. 

Medical  l\operties  and  Uses. — Serpentaria  is  a  stimulant  tonic,  but  may 
also  produce  diaphoretic,  diuretic,  or  emetic  effects,  according  to  the  doge 


Fig.  l.'iO. — Aristolochia  Scrpcnturia. 


234  riFYTOLArcACK.i:. 

ami  manner  of  mliiiiniHtmtioii.  It  was  formerly  employed  in  fevers  of  a 
typhoid  clmractor,  but  is  now  little  used,  except  in  bronchiid  and  pulmo- 
Jiary  airoctions  of  an  adynamic  character. 


PHYTOLACCACE/E. 

('hnractcr  of  Iha  Orthr, — Herbs  or  uiidorsluMibs  mu(!h  resemblinj:f  the 
foUowiujjf  order — (Ihcnopodiacou,' — but  havinj^'  a  many-celled,  many-ovulcd 
ovary,  which  in  fruit  forms  a  berry.  Itepresontod  in  North  America  by 
the  genus 

PHYTOLACCA.— PoKKWRKi). 

Phytolacca  decandra  Linn«'. — Pohvwrcd,  Scokeici'cJ,  Garget,  /*igcnn- 
bcrry. 

JJewription. — Calyx  :  sepals  5,  rounded,  white,  petaloid.  Corolla  ab- 
sent. Stamens  10,  rather  shorter  than  the  sepals.  Ovary  of  10  carpcsls 
united  in  a  ring  ;  styles  10,  short,  recurved.  Fruit  a  depressed-globose 
berry,  dark  puri)le,  10-seeded. 

A  smooth,  stout  perennial  herb  with  hollow  stems  and  large  Heshy 
roots.  Stem  mui;h  branched,  JJ  to  8  feet  high,  at  first  green  but  becoming 
purplish  with  age.  Leaves  scattered,  ovate-oblong,  entire,  acute,  smooth 
lioth  sides,  petiolate.  Flowers  in  long  racemes  ojiposite  the  leaves,  ap- 
pearing in  summer.  The  bciTies  ripen  in  autumn,  and  are  filled  with 
crimson  juice. 

Ilab'dal. — Common  everywhere. 

Parts  VHeiJ. — Phytolaccic  bucca — phytolacca  bcny  ;  phytolaccro  radix — 
Phytolacca  root —  Vnite.d  Stales  Pharmacopeia. 

Condilucntfi. — Tlie  active  principk;  of  poke  has  not  yet  been  isolated. 

Pri'irirations. — None  are  official.  Both  tli(>  berries  and  root  have  been 
employed  in  decoirtion  and  in  tincture,  and  the  root  has  been  used  also  in 
the  form  of  an  ointment. 

Medical  P'opcrties  and  f  n^.v. — All  parts  of  the  plant  possess  acrid  and 
somewhat  nai'cotic  pi'operties.  The  juice  of  the  fresh  plant,  or  a  strong 
decoctif)n  of  the  root,  applied  locally,  may  strongly  irritate  the  skin,  esjiec- 
ially  if  tender  or  abraded.  Taken  internally  it  produ(!es  nausea,  vomiting, 
and  purging,  and,  in  overdoses,  aero -narcotic  jjoisoning.  It  has  been  em- 
ployed with  more  or  less  satisfactory  resxilts  in  a  great  variety  of  cutaneous 
allections,  and  in  rheumatism,  especially  wlien  chronic  or  of  a  syphilitic 
origin.  There  is  little  doubt  that,  in  view  of  the  uncertainty  which  at  pres- 
ent exists  regarding  it,  this  plant  would  well  repay  further  careful  experi- 
mentation. 


ClIEXOl'ODIUM  —  GOOSKFOOT,    I'Ki  WKKI).  'J.'^.") 

CHENOPODIACE^. 

Cliaractcr  nf  the  Order. — ("liidly  licrbH,  r.-ircly  undoralirubs,  with  mostly 
ultonuitc,  oxHtipiiliitc  leaves.  {'aly\  deeply  tlivided,  snmetiiiics  tiilmlnrat 
the  base,  persistent,  coiiinioiily  eiiclosiii;.;'  the  Iniil.  Stuineiis  ^-eiiei'ully  of 
tiie  sanio  nuiuher  as  the  lobes  of  the  calyx,  and  inserted  o])i)osite  them  or 
on  their  base.  Ovary  free,  l-eellod,  with  a  sinj^dc;  ovule  attaclied  tn  its 
base  ;  styles  or  stigmas  2,  rarely  IJ  to  5,  Fruit  a  thin  utriele,  i-arely  an 
aehenimn. 

A  larjjje  order,  comprisimj  many  common  weeds,  and  a  few  plants,  as 
the  beet,  spinach,  and  chonopodiuni  of  eccjuomic  importance. 

CIIEXOPOniUM.— GOOHKKOOT,   Picwkkd. 

('hnradcr  of  llir  (icini^.  —  C;i]y\  5-cleft,  rarely  2- to  4-cleft  or  parted, 
more  or  less  envolopinfjf  the  fruit.  Stamens  commonly  5.  Stylos  2,  rarely 
;{.     SetTd  roimd,  llalteiied. 

Coarse,  weedy  plants,  usually  somewhat  succulent,  and  with  a  white 
mealiness,  or  viscid  glandular.  Flowers  small,  greenish,  numerous,  sessile, 
in  clusters  collected  in  terminal  spikes. 

Chenopodium  ambrosioides  Luiuu  (Var.  Anthelminticum 
(Iray). —  Wormnecd. 

Ih'scrqdioii. — Flowers  mostly  in  leafless  spikes.  Stem  erect,  angular, 
sparingly  branched,  1  to  8  feet  high.  Leaves  ovatc.-oblong,  acute,  nar- 
rowed at  the  base,  petiolate,  deeply  sinuatt;  scrrat(>,  tlie  lower  sometimes 
almost  laciniate,  pinnatifid,  thin,  smoothish,  destitute  of  mealiness,  glandu- 
lar beneath,  bright  green.  Tiie  whole  plant  has  a  strongly  aromatic 
odor. 

Habitat. — Introduced  from  Tropicial  America  ;  common  southward,  in 
waste  places. 

Chenopodium  album  Jjhnn''.  — 7 'igwccd,  Lamb's  (^)nartcrff. 

DeHcription. — Flowers  in  dense  or  loose,  nearly  leafless  racemes. 
Stem  ei'ect,  sulcate-striate,  loosely  branched,  1  to  5  feet  high.  Leaves 
varying  from  rhombic-ovate  to  lanceolate  or  linear  above,  all  or  only  the 
lower  more  or  less  sinuate-toothed,  mostly  with  a  pale  mealiness.  A  very 
variable  species. 

Habitat. — A  very  common  weed  in  cultivated  grounds  and  about  farm 
buildings. 

Of  these  two  species  the  first  is  introduced  on  account  of  its  medicinal 
importance,  and  the  second  because  it  typifies  a  number  of  closely  reLited 
species  of  common  weeds,  diSeriug  from  the  official  plant  in  being  mealy 
instead  of  viscid  glandular. 

J*art  Used. — The  fruit  of  C.  ambrosioides  Linn6,  var.  anthelminticum 
Gray.     Official  name  :  Chenopodium — United  States  Pharmacopoeia. 


230  pot.yoonack.t:. 

Const il II r))f.% — ItH  only  important  coiiHtituout  in  a  voliitilc  oil. 

Pi't'itarnlionx. — Olnim  clicnopoilii — oil  of  j'hcnopodiimi. —  I'nllitd  Slali'A 
Phnnnnvopdia,  Tho  bniiHod  weeds  nro  HoiiH'tiincs  luliiiiiiiHtered  in  ,siil»- 
slni'.ce  or  dccioctioii. 

Mi-ilnal  /'nij'-'iiii's  mid  I'srx. — Chciiopoilium  is  used  solely  lis  iiii  uii- 
thelmintic  for  liuiibrieoul  worniH. 

POLYCONACEIiC. 

(linrni'U'r  afllir  Orh'r. — Herbs  with  iUtenmIe,  eoiniiioiily  entire  leaves, 
and  stipules  in  the  i'onii  of  meiid>raiiiice()us  slieatlis  iibovo  the  swollen 
joints  of  the  stem.  Flowers  coniinoiily  perfect,  ('alyx  IJ-  to  (J-clefi,  more 
or  less  persistent.  Stamens  l  to  12,  inserted  on  the  ba.sc  of  the  calyx. 
Ovary  free,  1-ceiled  ;  styles  or  sti«^niaH  2  or  H.  Fruit  a  seeddikc  nutlet, 
eonunonly  trial m'uliir. 

All  order  comprising  fewNortli  American  {^'enera,  and  these  are  lar^icly 
represented  by  coiiimou  weeds,  many  of  them  possessing  more  or  less 
acrid  proi)erties.  The  most  imjiortant  plants  of  the  order  ai"0  buckwheat 
(Fatjopi/rum)  and  rhubarb  {liheiiiii). 

POL  YG  ON  U  M. — Knot  WRKD. 

Chnracfor  <>f  Ihr  (tcmix. — Calyx  commonly  r»-pavted,  tho  lobes  often 
petaloid,  withering  or  persistent.  Stamens  4  to !).  Styles  or  stiymas  2  or 
M.  Fruit  a  lenticular  or  triangular  achenium,  surrounded  by  the  erect  lobes 
of  the  calyx. 

Polygonum  Hydropiper  Linm'. — Smarhrced,  Water- Pepper. 

J)es(ripti.oii.—F\n\veYH  niostl}' greenish,  in  nodding  spikes,  usually  short 
or  interruiited.  Stamens  (5.  Style  2-  to  3-parted.  Achenium  dull,  minutely 
striate,  Hat  or  obtusely  triangular.  A  smooth  aimnal,  1  to  2  feet  high. 
Leaves  lanceolate,  tapering  to  both  ends,  minutely  pellucid-punctate. 

llahilal.      \\\  damp  i)laces  ;  very  common. 

Polygonum  acre  H.  B.  K.  {I',  pu net/dam  Elliott).  —  Wafer  Smarlioeed. 

Description. — Flowers  whitish  or  flesh-colored,  in  erect  spikes.  Sta- 
mens 8.  Style  mostly  8-parted.  Achenium  smooth,  shining,  sharply  tri- 
angular. A  nearly  smooth  perennial.  Stem  ascending,  rooting  at  the  de- 
cumbent base,  2  to  5  feet  high.  Leaves  larger  and  longer  than  in  the 
preceding  species. 

ITalntat. — In  wet  places  ;  common,  especially  southward. 

Polygonum  Bistorta  Linm'.— 7?/.stor^ 

Description. — Flowers  pink  or  white  in  a  dense  oblong  or  cylindrical 
spike,  1  to  2  inches  long.  Styles  3.  A  perennial  with  a  thick,  cylindrical, 
somewhat  flattened  i-ootstock.  Stem  erect,  simple,  1  to  2  feet  high,  ter- 
minating in  a  llower  spike.     Leaves  mostly  radical  on  long  petioles,  ovate- 


RUM  EX — DOCK. 


237 


Iftticeolftfo  or  pordato,  5  to  0  inchcH  loiiff ;  Htem  Icnves  muph  Rinallrr  niul  on 
hliortcr  prtiolcs. 

Ildhiliif. — III  tlio  Hocky  Mouutiiiu  region  and  uortliwurd;  conuuon  ulao 
in  Nortlurii  Kiiropo  and  Aniii. 

J'artH  i'»(nl—i)i  V.  Ijistortii  tho  root  ;  of  tho  otlitr  species,  tlic  horb — 
nono  arc  ofHciid. 

Consliliiciils.  IJistort  contaitiH  a  ]nr>^o  ]iorcontap;o  of  tannic  and  ^'allic 
acids,  ^\lltor  ix'ppcr  and  water  Kinartweod  |)ossc'S!i  an  acrid  principle 
termed  pdhjf/onir  arid,  to  wliicli 
tlioy  owe  tlicir  iuedi(;inal  virtncs. 
This  acid  is  also  present  in  many 
otlu;r  species  of  the  genus,  in  a 
greater  or  less  percentage. 

J'n'pai'dtioiis. — liistort  is  ad- 
ministered in  powder,  decoction,  or 
extract.  Water  pepper  and  water 
smartweed  are  (lonimonly  a<lminis- 
tered  in  decoction,  l)iit  as  their  ac- 
tive princii)l(!  is  dissipated  by  heat 
or  long  keeping,  an  alc<)holic  tinc- 
ture, made  from  the  fresh  plant, 
is  the  best  form  in  which  to  pre- 
serve them  for  any  grciit  lengtli 
of  time.  In  the  country  th(!y  are 
gathei'ed  and  dried  annually  ivv 
domestic  use,  and  do  not  seem  to 
lose  much  of  thcdr  elTiciency  dui*- 
iug  tho  few  months  that  they  are 
kept. 

Mcdicul  I'i'opniicx  and  L'sca. — 
Bistort  is  used  both  tojiically  and 
internally  as  an  astringent,  in  tho  same  manner  as  many  other  drugs  rich  in 
tannin.  Water  smartweed  and  water  pepper  have  a  burning,  biting  taste, 
inflame  the  skin  when  rubbed  ujjou  it,  and  possess  somewhat  acrid  stinui- 
latiug  properties.  Tliey  are  employed  in  domestic  jjiactice,  externally  as 
counter-irritants,  and  internally  to  promote  the  menstrual  flow,  to  induce 
diaphoresis  in  acute  inliannnatory  affections,  ettr.riu  the  same  manner  as 
other  acrid  and  stimulating  drugs  are  used.  • 

RUMEX.— Dock. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Calyx  of  G  sepals  in  two  series  of  3  each  ;  the 
outer  series  herbaceous,  the  inner  larger,  somewhat  colored,  increasing  in 
size  after  flowering,  and  converging  over  the  triangular  achenium.  Stamens 
6,  styles  3  ;  stigmas  tufted.     Herbaceous  plants,  many  of  them  pestiferous 


Fio.  151  .—Polygonum  Bistorta. 


2;iS  •  lauiiaceyE. 

wgccIh  in  cultivated  ficldH,  with  small,  homely,  mostly  greenish  flowei-H  iu 
close  pniiiclod  rat'cmcs. 

Rumex  crisp  us  Ijiune. — Curled  Dock,  Yellow  Dock. 

Descripliun. — Flowers  iu  >vhorls,  crowded  iu  loug,  waud-like,  leafless 
rncemes.  luuer  scjjhIs  cordate,  obscurely  deuiiculale  or  entire,  and  coiu- 
■-louly  bearing  a  grain-like  tubercle  on  tlie  liack. 

A  smooth  perennial,  with  a  deej^,  spindle-shaped,  yellow  root.  St(!m 
erect,  2  to  4  feet  high,  ^vith  lew  conunonly  ei-ect  branches.  Leaves  curled 
and  wavy  on  the  margins,  lanceolate,  acute,  the  lower  truncate  or  obs<!urely 
cordate  at  the  base,  the  upper  smaller,  narrower,  and  gradually  passing  into 
ni(>re  bracts. 

Hid  Hat. — Naturalized  from  Europe  ;  conunon  in  cultivated  and  waste 
grounds. 

Rumex  orbiculatus  Gray  (//.  nqinilicini  Pursh?) — (Ircal  Witlcr-Dork. 

Dci<rrii)li()i}. — Flowers  in  whorls  crowded  in  upright,  almost  leafless  ra- 
cemes, wliicli  an;  ai ranged  in  a  large,  compound  piaiicle  ;  pedicels  cajiillary, 
nodding,  about  twice  tlie  length  of  tlie  fruiting  calyx;  inner  sepals  orbicu- 
lar or  round-ovate,  obtuse,  obscurely  cordat(>  at  tlie  base,  inend)ranaceous, 
tineh'  reticulated,  entire  or  repand-denticulate,  each  of  them  bearing  a 
grain-Vlke  tubercle  on  the  back. 

A  smooth  perennial,  wilh  a  deep,  yellow  root.  Stem  stout,  erect,  5  to 
(I  feet  high.  Leaves  smootli,  not  wavy  on  lh(!  margins,  oblong-lanceolate, 
rather  acute  at  both  ends,  the  lowest,  including  the  ])etiole,  1  to  2  feet 
long. 

JiahitaL — In  wet  places  ;  common,  espec/ally  northwai'd. 

J'art  iW'l. — The  root  of  runjex  crispus  and  (v'  other  species  of  rumev 
—  I'liited  S/alcK  Plninndfn^ni'iiK     Several  odier  sj:ecies  may  be  employed, 
but  those  above  described  sufliciontly  represent  the  medicinal  properties 
of  the  genus. 

I'reparaliou!^. — Extractmn  rumicis  fluidum  ;  f^uid  extract  of  rumex. — 
Viulcd  Skill's  IViurmacopirid.  It  is  also  employed  in  the  foriri  of  decoction 
and  syrup. 

(\)ii^fl(n('vff>. — Yellow  dock  closely  resembles  rhul)arb  in  chemijal  ccm- 
position,  but  is  more  astringent. 

Medical  Propcrfici^  and  f'sY'.s. — Yellow   dock    is   tonic,  astringent,    and 

slightlv  laxative,     ^'"l.ese  properties  rend    •  it  useful  iu  a  variety  of  chronic 

alTections,  such  as  scrofula,  ob'.«ina'a  cutaneous  diseases,  dys])e2)sia,  syi)h- 

•llis,  etc.,  in  ^^hich  an  alterawive  and  depurative  effect  may  be  desired  for  a 

long  time. 

LAl'TACE/E. 

Clinracter  of  the  Ora'-r. — Trees  o"  shrub,?  with  simple,  alte.nata,  exstip- 
ulate,  ino'tly  pellucid-dotted  leaves  Flowers  often  di(ecious.  Calyx  of 
4  or  G  sepals  in  t>vo  rows,     htameua  8  to  12,  ir.  two  or  more  rows,  the 


SASSAFllAS. 


2;39 


^  m*  4  iiincrmnsi,  nsually  aliortive  ;  aiitliors  npcninpf  by  2  or  4  npliftod 
valves.  Ovary  ] -celled,  l-ovuled  ;  style  solitary.  Fruit  a  1  seeded  beny 
or  drupe. 

A  lar<j;e  order  of  aromatic  plants,  cliicHy  tropicid,  represented  in  North 
America  by  only  about  bait  a  dozen  species.  Of  the  tropical  species  the 
most  iiin)ortant  are  (Janqihara  (/ificiiiavuii),  which  yields  ^uni-caniphor, 
and  the  various  s])ecies  of  C'iiiiKnuoDitcn,  from  Avhich  are  derived  the  ciu- 
namon  and  cassia  of  commerce. 

SASSAFUAS. 

Sassafras  officinale  Necs.- -.sV/W/y/.s'. 

/><:<criii/ii>ii. —  Flowers  di(ecious.  Calyx  fi-parted,  spreadiu'jf.  Sterile 
ilowers  with  9  stamens  i'.i   \i  rows,  Ihe   iii'ier  row  with  a  pair  of  stalked 


^■m  \lk 


■^     "¥. 


I' Hi,  l.Ti.  — i<usHiifnis  otnciiiulo. 

glands  at  the  base  of  each  ;  anthers  4-celled,  4-valved.  Fertile  flowers  with 
G  rudimentary  stai  ons  ntid  an  ovoid  ovary.  Fruit  a  blue,  ovoid  drupe, 
raised  npon  a  reddish  jjcdicel,  which  is  tlii<'kcned  and  cup  shaped  at  its 
extremity. 

Northwaid  comn^^nly  a  tall  shrub  or  s.nall  tiee,  10  to  2o  feet  liicrh ; 
further  south,  an-  especially  in  rich  soil,  it  often  attains  a  height  of  40 
t(i  fiO  feet,  with  a  dianiete.  of  2  to  ;J  feet.  Leaves  4  to  5  inches  long,  ovate 
I'.nd  entire,  or  variously  lobed  ;  some  of  tliein  re'jfularly  i^  lobed,  others 
n:itten-shaped.     Flowers  gn.'enish-yelhjw,  naked,  clustered  in   peduneled 


240  EUriI0UBIACEJ3. 

corymbose  racemes  at  tlic  oiidn  of  the  last  year's  branches,  unfolding  with 
the  leaves  in  April  and  May.  'I'iio  twigs  and  young  branches  have  a 
smooth  yellowish-green  bark,  while  that  of  the  trunk  is  grayish  and 
deeply  furrowed.  •  ■». 

J lalnUU.— From  Canada  to  Florida  ;  common. 

/'aria  IJ.vd. — The  bark  of  the  root — t)fficial  name,  Sassafras;  the  pith 
of  tlie  young  blanches — official  name,  Sassafras  medulla — L'liilcd  States 
I'haniiacojxi'ia. 

CondUaciifs. — Of  the  bark  of  the  root,  an  aromatic  volatile  oil  and  the 
common  v-onstituents  of  plants.  Of  the  pitli,  gummy  matter,  which  is 
readily  imparted  to  water,  forming  a  limpid  nnicilage. 

I'ri'iiainliiiit.". — ^Of  the  bark  of  the  root :  Oleum  sassafriis — oil  of  sassa- 
fras. Of  the  pith :  Mucilago  sassafras  medulke — mucilage  of  sassafras 
pith. —  United  States  I'hurniacopwia. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uaes. — Sassafras  is  an  aromatic  stimulant.  Its 
chief  use  is,  howevei*,  in  the  form  of  the  oil,  as  a  flavoring  agent.  Muci- 
lage" of  sassafras  j)ilh  is  used  as  a  demulcent  in  acute  febrile  and  inflam- 
matory affections. 

LINDERA.— SriCE-Busu. 

Lindera  Benzoin  Meisner — Spice-Jiu^h,  Wild  Allsjyire,  Fever-Bush. 

lk'.-<cripti()ii. — Flowers  polyganious-dittM-ious.  Calyx  G-parted,  spread- 
ing. Sterile  flowers  witli  9  stamens  in  3  rows,  the  inner  row  bearing 
glands  at  the  base  ;  anthers  2-celled,  2-valved.  Fertile  flowers  Avith  15  to 
18  rudimentary  stamens  ;  ovary  globular.     Fruit  a  i"ed,  obovoid  drupe. 

A  shrub  (5  to  15  feet  high.  Leaves  oblong-obovate,  entire,  smooth. 
Flowers  yeJlow,  in  nearly  sessile  clusters,  each  of  4  to  6  flowei's,  appearing 
in  ]\Iarch  oi'  April  before  the  leaves. 

I  lab  Hal. '-hi  danip  woods  and  copses;  common. 

P(Z/Vs  Used. — The  bark  and  fruit — not  otlticial. 

Constilaents. — A  volatile  oil,  and  common  vegetable  principles. 

rre2)arafi()nfi. — The  oil  jiossesses  all  the  medicinal  virtues  of  the  plant. 
A  deco(!tion  of  the  bark  or  fruit  is  most  commonly  employed. 

jilcdiral  Properties. — The  bark  of  the  spice-bush  has  a  warm  spicy  taste, 
and  in  suflicient  doses  acts  as  a  vascular  stiniulu'nt.  It  has  been  employed 
to  produce  diaphoresis  in  acute  inflanunatory  and  felnile  attections.  Tiie 
fi'uit  has  been  employed  as  a  substitute  for  allspice,  and,  medicinally,  for 
the  same  purposes  as  the  bai'k.  The  aroma  of  the  plant  is  less  pleasant 
than  that  of  sassafras.  , 

SUPHORBIACE^.      ' 

Character  of  the  Order. — Plants  with  opposite  or  alternate,  often  stipu- 
late leaves,  commonly  an  acrid  milky  juice,  and  moncecious  or  diaMuous, 
aiietalous,  sometimes  naked  flowers.     Perianth,  when  present,  lobed,  and 


EUPirOHBlA — SPURGE.  241 

with  glandular,  scaly,  or  potaloid  appendages.  Stamens  few  or  many, 
sojiarate  or  united  into  one  or  more  bundles.  Ovary  free,  usually  I3-cclled, 
eaoli  coll  with  a  single  or  souietinies  a  pair  of  suspended  ovules  ;  stigmas 
or  branches  of  the  style  as  many  or  twice  as  many  as  the  cells.  Fruit  usu- 
.•illy  a  3-lobed  pod,  the  lobes  or  carjiels  separating  elastically  fi'om  a  i)cr- 
sistent  axis  ;  seeds  often  arillate. 

In  the  tropics  a  very  large  and  important  order,  containing  many  acrid 
and  poisonous  plants.  Represented  in  North  America  by  only  a  few  gen- 
era, comprising  a  small  number  of  medicinal  species. 

EUPHORBIA.  -  Si'U  KGB. 

Charadcr  of  Ihc  dcnnx. — Flowers  moneecious,  colh^cted  into  heads,  sur- 
rounded by  a  4-  tx»  5-]<)bed  involucre,  which  resembles  a  calyx  or  corolla. 
Within  the  involucre  an;  a  number  of  stamens  surrounding  a  stalked 
ovary,  the  whole  resembling  a  single  Howcr  ;  but  as  each  stamen  is  jointed 
on  a  pedicel,  and  proceeds  from  the  axil  of  a  bract,  it  is  considered  as  a 
separate  flower,  hence  each  involucre  includes  a  number  of  staminate 
flowers,  each  consisting  of  a  single  stamen,  surrounding  a  solitary,  stalked 
jjistillate  llower.  Oviuy  JMobinl,  3-celled ;  styles  .■{,  each  2-cleft.  Pod 
3-lobed,  si)litting  .'lastically  lato  \\  one-seeded,  2-valved  carjjels. 

A  very  large  genus,  represented  in  North  America  by  numerous  herba- 
ceous species.  All  of  them  are  characterized  by  a  more  or  less  acrid,  milky 
juice. 

Euphorbia  corollata  Linne. — Largo.-Fhuvnituj  S/nnr/c 

y)('.svT/};//o//.—  Stems  several  from  a  lurge  branching  root ;  erect,  nearly 
simple,  2  to  ;}  feet  high,  glabi'ous  or  sometimes  sparingh"  hairy.  Leaves 
ovate,  lanceolate,  or  linear,  entire,  obtuse,  only  the  uppermost  or  Horal 
ones  whorled  or  opposite.  Flowers  in  5-  to  7-rayed  umbels,  the  rays  2-  to 
H-forked  ;  involucres  white,  petaloid,  showy,  on  long  peduncles.  Pod 
smooth,  on  a  slender  pe(lic(il. 

Ilahital. — In  rich  or  sandy  soil  from  New  York  to  "Wisconsin  and  south- 
ward. 

Euphorbia  Ipecacuanhee  Jimnb.—Tpecamianha  Spimje, 

Des^cription. — Stems  niunerous  from  a  long,  deep  i)erennial  i*oot,  erect 
or  dilVusely  spreading,  5  to  10  ini^hes  high,  branching  dichotomously  from 
near  the  base.  L(>aves  obovate,  oblong,  or  nai'rowly  linear,  nearly  sessil(>, 
glabrous,  all  or  only  the  up[)er  ones  opposite.  Peduncles  axillary,  elongated. 
Involucre  pet  vloid,  4-  to  il-lobed,  with  the  same  number  of  obtuse  glands. 
I'od  long-pedicelled,  obtusely  angled,  nearly  smooth. 

Habitat. — In  sandy  soil  near  the  coast  from  New  Yoi'k  southward. 

Several  other  indigenous  species  of  e'phorbia  have  been  used  medici- 
nally, but  those  described  above  are  believed  to  well  represent  the  j^enua 
as  found  in  North  America. 


242  3:upii{)iir.iACE.i:. 

Part  Used. — The  root  of  both  si)ecies.  Fonuorly  official,  but  dismissed 
from  the  PharmacoiJUiia  in  1880. 

Coiis/ilKi-iil.i. — A  ijorfectly  siitisfactory  analysis  of  these  plants  is  }ct  to 
be  made.  That  they  contain  an  emetic  principle  is  very  evident,  but  it 
has  not  yet  been  isi)hited. 

J'n'iHini/ioiis. — Commonly  adndnistered  in  powder. 

Mi'iliml  rroportiea  and  fVrx.— Both  species  possess  similar  if  not  quite 
identical  properties,  being  actively  emeto-(%athartic  ;  in  small  doses,  diapho- 
retic. More  pleasant  \o  the  taste  than  ipecacuanlia  ;  either  of  them  may 
be  substituhnl  for  it  in  cases  where  emesis  is  desired,  and  cathartic  action 
is  not  objectionable. 

STILLIX(iIA. 

Stillingia  sylvatioa  Linnc. — SiUUngi'i,  (jwcn'.'^  Ihutl. 

J>ri«-ni)tu>ii. — Flowers  mon(e(ri()us,  collected  in  a  terminal  spike.  Cah'x 
2-  to  3-cleft  or  parted.  Corolla  absent.  Stamens,  2  to  3  ;  anthers  adnatc, 
e.\trorse.  Style  sinj^le  ;  stigmas  !},  diverging.  Pod  IJdobed,  iJ-celled,  o- 
seeded.     Seed  caruncnlate. 

An  herbaceous  perennial.  Stems  1  to  8  feet  high,  erect,  smooth,  fnnii 
a  very  large  tapering  root.  Leaves  alternate,  oblong-lanceolate,  senixlate, 
nearly  sessile,  eonunonly  with  two  glands  at  tlie  base.  Fertile  flowers  few, 
at  the  base  of  a  dense  sterile  spike.     The  flowers  are  produced  in  sunmier. 

/fiihi/if. — In  sandy  soil  from  Virginia  southward. 

/'//•/  r.-^fd. — The  root — (uilcd  Shdfs  I'lmrDxicdixria. 

('i)/is/ilii  'ulx. — stillingia  has  a  strong  disagi'eeablc  odor,  which  is  les- 
sened l)y  drying,  and  a  bitter,  acid,  and  i)ungent  taste,  which  persists  even 
when  tlie  dried  root  ])as  been  exposed  to  the  air  for  a  long  time.  It  has 
yielded  to  analysis  a  volatile  oil  possessing  the  odor  and  taste  of  the  crude 
drug,  and  a  resinous  l)ody  whi(!h  also  appears  to  possess  medicinal  activity. 
The  so-called  oil  <//'  slilliin/id,  occuning  as  a  commercial  article,  is  said  to 
be  an  ethereal  extract,  not  without  medicinal  properties,  bnt  in  no  way 
resend)ling  the  true  volatile  oil. 

VrrpuraHiDtx. — Extractum  stillingia^  fluidum — fluid  extract  of  stillin- 
gia.—  i'liih'd  Sillies  PlKtniKico^tii'ii,  It  is  also  adndnistered  in  decoction 
and  syrup. 

Medical  rropriiics  (iitd  Cses. — Stillingia,  in  large  doses,  is  an  active 
emeto-catharti(;  ;  in  small  doses,  alterative.  By  that  class  of  practitioners 
who  reject  mercury  in  the  treatnunit  of  syphilis,  stillingia  is  very  largely 
emiiloycd  as  a  substitute.  In  scroful.i,  chronic  cutaneons  and  hepatic  dis- 
order.s,  it  is  also  stud  to  act  beneflcially.  In  general  twrns,  it  may  be  said 
to  have  earned  its  present  reputation  and  standing  ns  a  remedy  iu  those 
cas(\s  which,  in  former  times,  were  considered  most  amenable  to  sarsapa- 
rilla.  Whether  its  rejiutation  rests  u]ion  a  moi-e  secure  foinidation  than 
did  that  of  sarsaparilLi,  is  a  question  not  easy  to  decide.     One  thing,  how- 


ULMUS — ELM.  243 

ever,  must  he  conceded — stillingia  is  certainly  not  without  activity.  Nov/, 
while  it  is  not  claimed  to  act  specifically  in  syphilis,  the  fact  seems  well  es- 
tablished that  in  certain  cases,  hy  stimulating  the  secretory  functions,  it 
exerts  a  very  beneticial  intluence.  The  same  may  be  said  of  its  action  in 
s(!rofulous  and  cutaneous  ail'ections.  It  luidoubtedly  dosciTes  more  care- 
ful examination  than  it  has  hitherto  had,  in  order  that  its  sphere  of  use- 
fidness  may  be  more  accurately  defined.  • 

URTICACE/E. 

Chnmrtrr  of  (he  Onh'r. — Plants  Avith  alternate  or  opposite,  stipulate 
leaves,  and  moncecious,  dicjecious  or,  rarely,  perfect  tlowers.  Calyx  regu- 
lar, monosepalous,  or  with  2  to  5  or  more  divisions.  Stamens  as  many 
as  the  segments  of  the  caWx,  aiid  opposite  them.  Ovary  free,  1-celled,  1- 
ovuled,  rarely  2-celled  ;  stylo  or  stigma  simple.     Fruit  1-seeded. 

A  very  large  order  of  cliiefly  tropical  plants,  comprising  several  well- 
characterized  sub-orders.     Not  very  well  represented  in  North  America. 

ULMUS.— Elm. 

Ulmus  fulva  INIichaux. — Slipper;/  Ebn,  Red  Elm. 

Drscnplion. — Flowers  polygamous.  Calyx  bell-shaped,  7-  to  D-lobed. 
Stamens  7  to  'J,  with  long,  slender  filaments.  Ovary  2-C(!lle(l,  each  cell  1- 
ovuled  ;  styles  2,  diverging.  Fruit  a  1-celled,  1-seeded,  membranaceous 
samara. 

A  medium-sized  tree,  20  to  GO  feet  high,  1  to  2  feet  in  diameter,  with 
a  rough,  light-gray  bark  and  reddish  wood.  Leaves  alternate,  4  to  N 
inches  long,  ovate-oblong,  taper-pointed,  doubly  serrate,  i-ough  aUn'e,  solt- 
downy  beneath.  Flowers  reddish,  pubescent,  in  lateral  cluster.s,  preced- 
ing the  leaves  in  March  and  April. 

Habitat. — In  rich,  rather  dry  soil,  from  Western  New  England  to  Lake 
Superior  and  southward. 

Fart  Cficd. — Tiie  inner  bark — official  name,  Ilnnis — I'ltitcil  Statrfi  Phar- 
■tnaropd'ia. 

('(mstituentt<. — The  only  important  constituent  of  slipper}'  elm  bark  is 
an  abundance  of  mucilage. 

Prrparationt^. — ]Mucilago  idmi — mucilage  of  elm.  —  I'mlrd  Sfatr.-i  Pltar- 
macopa'ia.     This  is  merely  an  infusion  of  the  slicetl  bark  in  boiling  water. 

Medical  Properlie.x  and  Cxes. — Slippery  elm  is  demulcent  and  slightly 
nutritious.  It  is  used  lai'gely  in  acute  intlainmatory  and  febrile  allections. 
either  alone  or  .slightly  acidulated  with  lemon-jp.ice,  and  is  one  of  the  most 
valuable  agents  of  its  class,  seldoni  or  never  deranging  the  stomach.  Ex- 
ternally it  is  often  employed  in  the  form  of  a  poultice,  being  first  gi'ound 
or  torn  into  shreds,  and  made  into  a  mass  of  proper  consistence  with  ijoil- 
ing  water.  It  h;is  also  been  employed,  in  the  form  of  tints,  to  dilate  tho 
neck  of  the  uterus  and  fistulous  tracts. 


244 


URTICACE^. 


MORUS.— MiiLHRnRY. 

Morus  rubra  Linn(''. — Jlcd  Mulherrii. 

Description.— YlowevH  mouax-iouH  or  dioecious.  Staminate  flowers  in 
drooping  axillary  spikes  ;  ealyx  4-parted  ;  stamens  4.  Pistillate  flowers 
in  dense,  ovate,  erect  spik(>s  ;  calyx  of  4  sepals  ;  ovary  2-cellc'd,  one  of  the 
cells  disappearing  during  the  develoi)ment  of  the  fruit ;  styles  2,  liliforin. 
When  ripc!  each  ovary  is  an  achoniuni  covered  by  the  succulent  calyx,  the 
whole  fertile  spike  becoming  a  dark-purple,  juicy  fruit  resembling  a  black- 
berry. 

A  small  tree  20  to  30  feet  high.  Leaves  alternate,  ovate,  cordate, 
pointed,  serrate,  rough  above,  downy  beneath  ;  those  of  the  young  shoots 
sometimes  2-  to  3-lobed.  The  flowers  appear  in  May  ;  the  berries  are  ripe 
in  July  ;  they  are  about  an  inch  long,  and  have  an  agreeable  sweetish  and 
acidulous  taste. 

Ilabiiat. — Li  rich  woods  from  New  England  to  Illinois  and  soutlnvanl. 

Part.  /«v/.— The  fruit- 
not  official. 

Constituents. — G 1  u  c  o  s  e, 
free  acid,  and  nuicilaginous 
matter. 

IM'parations. — Commonly 
used  in  the  form  of  a  s^-rup 
or  exjiressed  juice. 

jMcdica/  Proprrlies  and 
Uses. — -Mulberries  are  slight- 
ly laxative,  and  their  mildly 
acid  properties  render  them 
cooling  and  refreshing.  They 
are  chiefly  employed  in  the 
preparation  of  refrigerant 
(liinks  in  acute  febrile  and 
inflammatory  affections. 


URTIOA.— Nettle. 

Charnctcr  of  thr.  Genus. — 
Flowers  niouceciousor  difjeci- 
ous,  in  axilLu-y  clusters  or 
si)ike.s.  Stamhiate  flowers ; 
stamens  4,  inserted  around  the  rudiment  of  a  pistil.  Pistillate  flowers  ; 
sepals  4,  in  pairs,  the  outer  pair  smaller,  spreading,  the  inner,  in  fruit,  en- 
closing the  achenium. 

Annual  or  perennial  herbs,  with  stinging  hairs.     Leaves  opposite,  stip- 
ulate.    Flowers  greenish. 


Fio.  153.— LTrUca  diolca. 


CANNABIS HEMP.  245 

Urtica  dioica  Luiru-.—Owimon  XcUle. 

Stem  cYcx'.i,  2  to  4  foot  hi'j^]\,  very  bristly.  Loavoa  ovato,  oovdafo, 
pointed,  siroiigly  sonnto,  mostly  smooth  above,  downy  midonicatli. 
Flower  spikes  much  branched. 

IMnktt. — lu  waste  j^laces,  especially  about  dwellings  ;  introduced  from 
Europe. 

Urtica  urens  Linm'. — Dwarf  NrUh' 

Stem  erect,  8  to  12  inches  hijj;h,  less  bristly  than  the  preceding. 
Leaves  elliptical  or  ovate,  coarsely  and  deeply  serrate.  Flower  clusters  2 
in  each  axil,  the  staminate  and  pistillate  flowers  intermingled. 

flahUaf.. — In  waste  places ;  introduced  from  Exu'ope.  Less  common 
than  the  preceding. 

Wood  Nellie.  {Laporlea  ('ana(f(^)h'<i!<  Gaudichand),  an  indigenous  jilant, 
closely  related  to  the  gouus  urtica,  also  possesses  stinging  jiroperties,  and 
is  prol)ably  hardly  less  efiicient. 

/'(iii!<  (',<('( I. —The  seed,  leaves,  and  tops — not  official, 

Coiisf.it ii('itfi<. — The  stinging  liairs  of  nettles  contain  free  formic  acid, 
but  as  their  ellect  upon  the  skin  difters  sensibly  from  that  of  pure  formica 
acid,  it  is  inferred  that  there  is*  present  also  some  othei'  irritating  substance. 

Pirparalioiiit,  —  The  ex^jressed  juice,  decoction,  and  the  bruised  leaves. 

Medical  Prnperliei^  and  Uses. — Flagellation  of  the  skin  with  frcsli  net- 
tles was  formerly  employed  for  counter-irritnnt  etTect  in  jjaralysis,  and 
in  coma  whether  produced  bj-  disease  or  by  alcohol  or  opium.  Internally 
the  drug  has  been  used  with  asserted  iKMief'it  in  hemorrhages  from  the 
nose,  lungs,  uterus,  etc.,  and  in  catirrhal  alYtn'tions. 

CANNABIS.— IlKMP. 

Cannabis  csativa  Linm'. — Tfcmp,  American  TTrmp. 

lJe.<criptioii. — Flowers  dio'tdous.  Staminate  flowers  with  5  sepals,  and 
5  drooping  stamens.  Pistillate  flowers  with  a  calyx  of  one  sepal  which 
is  fold e  I  around  the  ovary  ;  ovary  roundish,  1-ovuled  ;  stigmas  2,  lilil'orm, 
glandnlar.     Achenium  ovate,  1-seeded. 

A  coarse,  pubescent,  somewhat  viscid  annual.  Stem  erect,  3  to  G  feet 
high,  angular,  branclung.  Leaves  alternate  or  opposite,  on  long  weak 
petioles,  digitate,  with  5  to  7  linear-Lmceolate,  sharply  serrate  segments. 
Flowers  in  axillary  clusters  ;  staminate  clusters  lax,  drooping,  leafless  at 
the  base;  pistillate,  erect,  leafy  at  the  base. 

Habitat. — In  waste  places.  Largely  cultivated  in  some  of  the  Western 
and  Southern  States.     Introduced  from  Europe.  . 

Part><  Uxc.d. — The  flowering  tops.  OfTicial  name.  Cannabis  Americana — 
Amei'ican  Cmnabis — Ignite  1  Stales  I'harmacopivia. 

This  plant  is  specitically  identical  with  tliat  affording  the  Cannabis 
Indica  {Indian  Hemp,  Hashish)  of  commerce,  and  has  X'eceived  the  above 
pharmacopa>ial  name  simply  for  identification. 


24G 


UIlTICACEiE. 


'  'miKfitui'Jita. — Tlio  constitucuts  of  Amoric.'in  ciiiinabis  do  not  dilTcr 
from  those  of  Indiiin  cuiumbis  save,  pcrlmpH,  in  dejifi-eo  ;  authors  pretty 
j^'cnerallv  (MMisidcr  the  latter  more  active  than  the  foriiier.  The  active 
properties  of  caniiH])is  appear  lo  reside  chiefly  in  n  resin  which  has  re- 
ceived tlie  name  *vn(//f/i'>/// ;  but  there  is  also  found  a  small  proportion  of 
volatile  oil  possessing  the  characteristio  odtn'  and  taste  of  the  plant,  and 
producing;-  nav(;otic  eflects.  Its  remaining  constituents  are  medicinally 
unimportant. 

I'rfpan/liDiis. — There  are  no  otruMal  preparations  of  American  cannabis. 


mm  mm^^- 


/Its 


m. 


Fic.  l.-)l.--C:iniiiibis  sntiva. 

It  may  be  employed  in  the  same  maimer  as  Indirfn  cannabis,  namely,  in 
extract,  fluid  extract,  or  tincture. 

Mt'dkvl  Propi'rtii'ft  ainl  Txcs-. — Cannabis,  when  fresh,  has  a  peculiar 
narcotic  odoi',  which  is  said  to  be  capable  of  producing  lieatlache  and 
other  cerebral  symptoms.  Tliis  propc^rty  is  considerably  diminished  by 
drying  and  long  keeping,  hence  the  drug  shoidd  be  used  as  fresh  as  pos- 
sible. Indeed,  there  is  little  doubt  that  much  of  the  uncertainty  of  can- 
nalns  is  dept  lent  ujjon  a  want  of  care  in  this  respect.  Cannabis  is  a 
powerful  ]iarcotic,  causing,  first,  exhilaration  and  delirious  liallucinations, 
generally  of  a  pleasurable  character,  and  afterward  drowsiness  and  stu- 
pni-.  Though  much  less  certain  than  opium,  it  has  none  of  the  unpleasant 
after-effects  of  the  latter,  and  is  often  used  instead  to  relieve  })ain,  aliay 
spasm,  and  produce  sleep. 

ITi'MULUS.— IIoi'. 

Humulus  Lupulus  Ijumv.—FTop. 

Description, — Flowers  ditecious.  Staminate  flowers  with  5  sepals,  and 
5  erect  stamens.     Piatillate  flowers  with  a  single  sepal,  which  embracea 


nuMULHs — HOP. 


247 


the  ovaiT,  grows  with  it  after  .lowering,  and  covers  the  achenium  at  nui- 
turity, 

A  perennial  plant,  with  annual,  anj^ulur,  rouf>;h,  twinin<>^  stems,  which 
climb  to  the  lu'ij>ht  of  many  feet.  Leaves  mostly  ojipoHito,  on  lonp;,  wind- 
ing petioles,  the  smaller  ones  cordate,  the  larger  15-  or  fj-lobed,  serrate, 
veiny,  and  very  ro\igli.  Stii)ules,  2  or  4  Ixitween  the  petioles,  cvate,  re- 
flexed,  persistent.  Stanunate  flowers  in  loose,  axillary  panicles  ;  pistillate 
in  catkins  of  niunerous  foliaceous, 
indjricated,  concavci  l)racts  (>at'h  2- 
rtowered,  formin.Lr.  in  fruit,  mem- 
branaceous strobiles.  The  achenium, 
fruiting  calyx,  etc.,  are  covered  with 
yellow  resinous  grains,  called  hiim/iii. 

Habit  (if. — The  eommou  hop  is 
widely  distributed  t)ver  most  tem- 
])(>rate  regions,  growing  in  thickets 
without  cultivation.  It  is  indigen- 
ous to  North  America,  being  espe- 
cially conunon  in  the  northern  and 
western  portions  of  the  United  States. 
In  some  sections  of  the  country  it  is 
extensively  cultivated  for  use  ia  brew- 
ing ale,  beei',  etc. 

Jarfx  Cscd.  —  The  strol  )iles  —  of- 
ficial name,  Humulus — Hops.  The 
glandular  powder  separated  from  the 
strobiles — otHcial  name,  Luimlinum 
— Lupulin. —  L'niU'tl  Slates  J'haytna- 
copam. 

Constiliienti^. — Hops  have  a  pecu- 
liar ai'omatic,  somewhat  narcotic  odor, 
and  an  aromatic,  bitter,  astringent  taste.  These  properties  are  more  strongly 
markecl  in  lupulin  that  in  the  strobiles  after  this  h;is  been  separated  from 
them.  Lupulin  constitutes  from  one-tenth  to  one-sixth  the  weight  of  hops, 
and  contains,  as  its  most  imi^ortant  constituents,  volatile  oil,  a  peculiar 
bitter  principle,  and  an  alkaloid  having  an  odor  scnnewhat  resembling  that 
of  conia.  The  scales  of  hops  from  which  the  lupulin  lias  been  separated 
possess  the  same  active  principles  but  in  smaller  proportions. 

IWpnrntumi^. — Of  hops  :  Tinc+ura  huniuli — tuictuiv  of  hops.  Of  lu- 
l)uliu  :  Extractum  lupulini  fluidum — fluid  extract  of  lupulin  ;  oleoresina 
hipulini — oleoresin  of  lupulin. — United  Statrs  Phnrmacopd'ui.  An  infusion 
of  hops  is  also  etiRcient  and  is  often  employed. 

Mi'diral  J'ropertieti  and  Uses. — Hops  are  tonic  and  sliglitly  narcotic. 
Their  tonic  influence  has  been  found  useful  in  debiliiy  of  the  digestive 


Fro.  ir)5. — Humuhis  Lupiilus 


248  JUGLANDACEA. 

orj^aiiH,  while  tlieir  imrcotio  and  soilativo  effect's  seem  most  prononnrevl  in 
irritable  conditions  of  the  genito-urinary  tract.  A  pillow  of  liops  is  ou) 
of  tlie  standard  remedies  among  the  laity  for  sleeijlessness,  and  is  often 
used  willi  (he  hapi)iest  clltH^ts.  Hop  fojiiciitations  are  frrquontly  ein])loy(d 
to  relieve  tlie  [):iin  of  abscesses  and  inllanunations,  and  form  an  excelknt 
application  for  the  purpose. 

JUCLANOACEA. 

Chararter  of  the  Order. — Trees  with  alternate,  pinnate,  oxstipulato 
leaves.  Flowers  momccious,  the  staminate  in  catkins,  witli  an  irrogular 
calyx  adnale  to  the  bract  ;  the  fertile  solitary  or  in  smuU  clusters  or 
spikes,  with  a  regular  3-  to  5-lobed  calyx  adherent  to  the  incompletely  2- 
to  4-cellod,  l-ovnl(!d  ovary.  Fruit  a  dry,  bony-shelled  drupe,  containing 
a  largo  4-lobed,  oily  seed. 

A  small  order  of  trees  of  gi'eat  economic  importance.  Among  its  most 
importuit  representatives  in  North  America  are  the  butternut,  black- 
walnut  and  hickory, 

JITGLANS.— W.\LNUT. 

Juglans  cinerea  Limu'. — lUdtcmxt. 

DcscripUo)!. — Staminate  Howers  in  long,  simple,  lateral  catkins  from 
the  wood  of  the  preceding  year  ;  calyx  unequally  3-  to  G-cleft.  Stamei>s  12 
to  40  ;  lilaments  free,  very  short.  Pistillate  Howers  solitary  or  clustered  on 
a  pediUK^le  at  the  end  of  the  branches  ;  calyx  4-toothed,  with  4  minute 
petals  at  the  sinuses.  Sivles  2,  vei'y  short ;  stigmas  2,  club-shapod,  slightly 
fringed.  Fruit  oblong,  with,  a  clammy,  tibrous-flcshy  epicarp,  and  a  very 
liard,  irregularly  and  deeply-furrowed  endocarp,  or  nut-shell. 

A  tree  20  to  50  feet  high,  with  gray  bark  and  widely  spreading  branches. 
Leaves  long,  unequally  pinnate  ;  leaflets  15  to  17,  the  lateral  sessile,  the 
terminal  petiolate,  oblong-lanceolate,  rounded  at  the  base,  acuminate, 
finely  serrate,  downy,  especially  beneath,  the  petioles  and  branchlets 
downy  with  clammy  hairs. 

IM)Uaf.~l\\  rich  woods  and  in  fields  ;  everywhere  common. 

Part  Uml. — The  inner  bark  of  the  root — United  Staten  f'hnrmacopma. 

ConatitaentH. — Tlie  most  important  constituent  thus  far  isolated  from 
butternut  bark  is  a  volatile  acid,  called  by  its  iWficovevev  jiiqlandir  arid,  but 
believed  by  other  chemists  to  be  identical  witli  nxiciih  previously  found  in 
the  pericarp  and  leaves  of  Jur/lans  rer/ia  Linne.  To  this  substance  is 
doubtless  due  the  greater  part  of  the  activity  of  the  bark. 

Preparations, — Extractum  juglandis — extract  of  juglans.  —  United  Stales 
Pharmnropri'ia. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses, — Butteniut  is  a  miltl  cathartic,  resembling 


QUEUCUS — OAK.  240 

rhubuil)  in  the  inikliu'ss  of  its  iiction  ami  frooilom  from  irritating  pi'opor- 
lius.     ll  iiiis  been  used  with  beat  ellect  iu  ImbiLuul  coustipatiuu. 

CUPULIFERiC. 

Clmradcr  «f  the  Ordr. — TreoH  (ji-  shrubs  with  alternuto,  Kinii^lo,  feat  iter- 
vohiocl  loaves,  funuHhetl  with  vciy  deciduous  stipules,  foniiin<,'  tlio  bud- 
Healos.  Flowers  uionaicious  ;  the  stauiinate  in  ea' dns  ;  the  pistillate  sol- 
itary, chistcrod  or  spiked,  andprovidi;d  with  an  invcjlucre  which  forms  a  cnp- 
lik(!  receptacle,  or  an  entire  coverin;^'  to  the  l-celhul,  1-seeded  nut.  C'alyx 
adherent  to  the  ovary,  the  nanute  teeth  erowniny  its  snmmit.  Ovary  nioro 
or  less  2-  to  7-cclled,  each  cell  1-ovuled,  only  one  of  which  maturea.  Seeds 
comparatively  large,  thick  and  lieshy,  often  edible. 

An  oi'd(;r  of  few  genera,  but  comprising  many  valuable  species.  The 
oak  (^,>Mr'/v(/,s),  chestnut  (CWrt/ica),  and  beech  (I'li'jns),  are  among  the  most 
important. 

QUKRCUS.— Oak. 

Querciis  alba  Linne. —  I17/(7r  Oa/,: 

/>('xr/v'y<//oy/.— Staminate  llowers  in  long,  slender,  pendulous  catkins  ; 
stamens  5  to  12,  surroundetl  by  narrow  scales  which  are  sometimes  united 
into  an  irregular  perianth.  Pistillate  th)W(  rs  s(rattei"ed  or  clustered  ;  peri- 
anth more  or  less  (i-lobed,  adherent  to  the  ovary,  which  is  about  i]-celled, 
tlie  whole  enclosed  by  a  scaly,  bud-like  involucre  which  becomes  a  hard, 
woody  cup  about  the  base  of  the  rounded  nut  oi*  acorn. 

A  large  tree,  sometimes  growing  to  the  height  of  70  to  80  feet,  with  a 
diameter  of  G  to  7  feet.  Loaves  ovate  or  obovate-oblong  in  general  out- 
line, obliquely  and  deeply  cleft  into  8  to  i)  oblong,  obtuse  lobes.  When 
young  they  are  reddish  above,  whitish  and  downy  beneath,  but  at  matu- 
rity bright  green  above,  and  smooth,  pale,  or  glaucous  beneath.  Cup 
hennspherical-saucer- shaped,  rough  or  tuberculated  at  maturity,  naked, 
nuich  shorter  than  the  ovoid  or  oblong  (1  inch  long),  sweetish,  edible 
acorn.     The  bark  is  very  light-colored,  whence  the  specific  name  of  the  tree. 

Hohilaf.— -From  Canada  to  Florida  and  westward;  conunon. 

Dirt  f'svY/.— The  bai-k,  deprived  of  the  corky  layer — official  name, 
Quercus  alba. —  United  Stalrfi  I'liarmacopaua. 

Coiixtilnrnlx. — The  only  important  constituent  of  oak  bark  is  tannin. 

Prepamlkmit. — There  are  no  official  preparations.  It  is  usually  em- 
ployed, whether  internally  or  topically,  in  decoction. 

Medical  ProjM'rtics  and  Uxrs, — Oak  bark  is  astringent  by  virtue  of  its 
tannin,  and  is  used  for  the  same  purposes  as  other  vegetable  astringents. 
The  decoction  is  sometimes  employed  exteruiilly  to  prevent  the  formation 
of  bed-sores. 

Many  other  indigenous  species  of  oak  possess  essentially  similar  prop- 
erties. . 


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250  MYHICACE^. 

CASTANEA.  — Cuestnut. 

Castanea  vesca  Limu'. — Chestnut. 

D(i.<criptlon. — Staiaiii'ite  flowers  clustered  upon  long,  pendulous  cat- 
kins ;  calyx  commonly  G-parted  ;  stamens  8  to  20.  PisLlUute  flowers  few, 
usually  three  together  in  a  scaly,  prickly  involucre,  which  encloses  tiiem, 
and  at  maturity  opens  by  J:  valves  ;  calyx  witli  a  (5-lobed  border  which 
crowns  the  3-  to  7-celled,  G-  to  11-ovuled  ovary  ;  stigmas  as  many  as  the 
cells  of  the  ovary,  and  surrounded  by  5  to  12  rudimentary  stamens.  Nuts 
coriaceous,  ovoid,  flattened,  1  to  3  in  number,  sweetish,  edi'  i 

A  large  tree,  30  to  50  feet  in  h'.'ght,  with  a  diameter  ui  3  to  G  feet. 
Leaves  G  to  7  inches  long,  1^  to  2  inches  wide,  oblong-lanceolate,  acumi- 
nate, sharply  serrate,  very  regulai'ly  feather- veined,  when  mature,  smooth 
and  yellowish-green  both  sides.  It  blooms  in  June  ami  July  and  matures 
its  fruit  after  frost,  when  the  burrs  open  and  the  nuts  fall. 

Habitat. — In  rocky  and  hilly  places,  and  in  alluvial  or  sandy  soil  ; 
widely  distributed,  and  often  associated  with  oak  and  pine. 

Fart  C.ft'd. — The  leaves,  collected  in  September  or  October  while  still 
green.     Official  name — Cistanea. —  United  States^  riiarmaroiHeia. 

Coi)^iitue)its<. — Nothing  save  common  vegetable  i)rincii)les  have  as  yet 
been  detected  in  chestnut  leaves. 

Preparations. — Extractum  castancic  fluidum — fluid  extract  of  castanea. 
—  United  States  Pharmacojxvia. 

Jiuiii.ul  I  roperties  and,  Uses. — Thore  is  much  doubt  regarding  the  medi- 
cinal activity  of  chestnut  leaves.  Introduced  as  a  remedy  for  whooping- 
cough,  the  drug  was  considerably  lauded  for  a  time,  but  its  slight  popu- 
larity seems  already  waning.  In  absence  of  anytliing  to  establish  the 
presence  of  a  therapeutically  active  i)rinciple,  or  of  physiological  experi- 
ments to  prove  its  activity,  the  mere  statement  that  it  exerts  a  controlling 
influence  upon  a  disease  of  such  uncertain  course  as  whooping-cough  may 
well  be  received  with  caution. 

MYRICACEyE. 

(Jliaracter  of  the  Order. — Monoecious  and  dia3ciou3  shrubs,  with  both 
staminate  and  pistillate  flowers  in  short  scaly  catkins.  Leaves  alternate, 
resinous-dotted,  and  often  fragrant. 

A  small  order  having  few  representatives  in  Nortlf  America.  In  general 
they  possess,  to  a  greater  or  less  degree,  aromatic,  astringent,  and  stimu- 
lant properties. 

M  YRICA.  ~B  AYnRTiUY. 

Myrica  cerifera  Linnc. — I>a;/f)err!/,  Wa.r-Mijrth'. 

Deseriplion. — Flowers  mostly  dicecious.  Staminate  catkins  oblong, 
scattered  ;  pistillate  ovoid,  from  scaly,  axillary  buds.     Btjth  kinds  destitute 


COIIPTONIA SWEET-FERX.  251 

of  calyx  and  corolla,  the  solitary  flowers  Lcint,'  placed  each  under  a  scaly 
bract,  with  a  pair  of  bractlets.  Stamens  2  to  8.  Ovary  with  2  to  4  scales 
at  its  base  ;  stigmas  2.  Fruit  an  ovoid  nut  or  drupe,  covered  with  whitish 
wax. 

A  shrub,  3  to  8  feet  high.  Leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  narrowed  at  the 
base,  entire  or  somewhat  toollied  toward  the  apex,  shining  and  resiijous- 
dotted  both,  sides,  fragrant,  appearing  late  in  Ajjril  before  the  flowers. 
Nuts  scattered  or  clustered  along  the  last  year's  branches,  sometimes  per- 
sisting for  two  or  three  years. 

Ilabltut. — In  sandy  or  rocky  places  on  or  along  the  coast. 

Parts  Used. — The  bark  and  wax — not  otticial. 

ConstUnenlx. — Besides  common  vegetable  jn-inciples,  there  arc  in  bay- 
berry  bark  an  acrid  resin,  an  astringent  resin,  and  a  peculiar  aciid  aeid, 
termed  vu/ru-iNic  acid.  Myrtle  wax  in  mass,  after  separation  from  the 
fruit,  is  greenish-gr!;y  in  color,  with  a  consistence  intermediate  between 
that  of  bees.wax  and  tallow.  It  burns  with  a  white  flame  and  a  fragrant 
odor. 

IWparafioDfi. — There  are  no  official  preparations.  Tlie  bark  has  been 
used  chiefly  in  powder  and  in  decoction. 

3Iedical  I'ropaiica  and  Uses. — Bayberry  bark  is  an  acrid  stimulant 
and  astringent.  In  moderate  doses  it  produces  a  sensaticni  of  heat  in  the 
stomach ;  in  large  doses,  nausea  and  vomiting.  The  pcwder  is  very  irri- 
tating to  the  nasal  macous  membranes,  a^nl  produces  violent  sneezing.  It 
has  been  employed  to  some  extent  in  a  great  variety  of  diseased  conditions, 
but  without  acujuiring  rciiutation  in  any.  Bigolow  stated,  sixty  years  ago, 
as  the  result  of  his  investigations,  that  it  is  "  more  interesting  iu  a  chemi- 
cal than  a  medical  point  of  view  ; "  and  his  statement,  in  the  present  state 
of  our  knowledge,  scarcely  requires  comment  or  revision. 

COMPTONI  A.  — Sweet-Fehn. 

Comptonia  asplenifolia  Alton.— /S'^tr^T-lTrt, 

Description. — Flowers  monrocious  and  diajcious.  Staminate  flowers  iu 
cylindrical  catkins  with  imbricated,  concave,  reniform,  acuminate,  1-flowered 
scales ;  stamens  3  to  G.  Pistillate  flowers  in  egg-shaped,  biuT-like  catkins  ; 
ovary  surrounded  by  8  long,  linear,  awl-shaped  scales,  which  are  persistent 
around  the  ovoid-oblong,  smooth,  l-se(>ded  nut. 

A  low  shrub,  1  to  3  feet  high,  slender,  branched,  somewhat  hairy. 
Leaves  alternate,  linear-lanceolate,  3  to  4  inches  long  by  lialf  an  inch  broad, 
deeply  pinnatilid  with  many  roiuided  lobes,  resend)ling  those  of  a  fern. 
This  resemblance,  together  with  the  fragrance  of  the  leaves,  has  given  the 
plant  the  popular  name  of  .'<ircii-ft'rn. 

Ifabildt. — In  dry  sterile  or  sandy  soil  irim  Virginia  to  Wisconsin  and 
northward. 


252  BETULACE.E. 

Paris  used. — The  leaves  and  tops — not  official. 

CunstUuenls. — The  most  important  constituents  are  volatile  oil  and  tan- 
nin. 

rrcparalions. — Commonly  Ubed  in  decoction. 

Medical  Properlies  and  Uses. — Sweet-forn  is  stimulant  and  astringent. 
It  is  occasionally  employed  as  a  domestic  remedy  in  diarrhcea,  colic,  etc. 

BETULACE>E. 

Giarnctcr  of  the  Order. — Trees  or  shrubs  with  simple,  alternate,  stipu- 
late leaves,  often  strongly  fenther-veined.  Flowers  luonojcious,  in  scaly 
catkins,  2  or  3  imder  each  bract,  and  without  a  perianth.  Ovary  2-celled  ; 
stijrmas  2.     Fruit  a  dry,  1-collcd,  1-seeded,  often  winged  init. 

A  small  order  inhabiting  chiefly  the  northern  temperate  regions. 

^.  BETULA.— Birch. 

Betula  lenta  Linno. — Sweet,  Black,  or  Cherry  Birch. 

Desc7'ipl'  >n, — Staminate  flowers  3,  under  each  scale  of  the  catkin,  each 
with  4  sli  jrt  stamens.  Pistillate  flov.ers  2  or  8  under  each  scale  of  the 
catkin,  each  consisting  of  a  uakeu  ovary  which,  in  fruit,  becomes  a  winged 
nutlet  or  samara. 

A  mediu!n-sized  tree  with  brownish-red,  cherry-like  bark.  Leaves 
ovate  or  oblong-ovate,  cordate,  acuminate,  sharply  serrate,  smooth  and 
shining  above,  glabrous  beneath.  Sterile  catkins  long  and  drooping,  ter- 
minal and  lateral,  formed  iii  sunniier,  and  expanding  the  following  si)ring. 
Fertile  ».:atkins  oblong-cylindrical  in  fruit,  usually  terminal  on  short  lateral 
branches  of  the  season.  lUirk,  of  the  younger  branches  especially,  aro- 
matic, having  the  odor  and  taste  of  gaultheria.  When  wounded  the  stem 
yields  a  saccharine  juice. 

Habitat. — In  moist  woods  from  New  England  to  Illinois  northward,  and 
along  the  Alleghanies  southward. 

Farts  Used. — The  bark,  leaves,  and  saccharine  juice — not  official. 

Constituents. — The  bark  and  leaves,  by  distillation,  yield  a  volatile  oil 
identical  in  composition  with  tliat  obtained  from  gaultheria,  and,  it  is  said, 
frequently  sold  for  the  latter.  ^ 

Preparations. — Commonly  usi^d  in  decoction.  The  oil  evidently  i)os- 
sesses  all  the  virtues  of  the  drug,  and  is  therefore  the  most  efficieiit  prepa- 
ration. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — The  white  birch  of  Europe  [Betida  alba 
Linnc)  and  the  related  American  species,  Betida  alba,  var.  Populi/uliaiipaGh., 
and  Betula  lenta  L.,  have  been  considered  i^urifiers  of  the  blood,  and  have 
been  eiff^jloyed  as  domestic  remedies  in  rheumatism,  gout,  cutaneous  affec- 
tions, etc.     Whatever  virtues  they  possess  are  i)robably  due  to  their  vola- 


iMA^i^iHkUU 


SALTX — WILLOW.  253 

tile  oil,  and  aa  this  is  identical  with  that  of  gaultheria,  their  therapeutic 
effects  must  necessarily  be  similar. 

ALNUS.— Alder. 

AInus  ssrrulata  Alton. — Black  Alder,  Tar/  Alder. 

Deatcriplion. — Staminate  flowers  3,  rarely  G,  under  each  scale  of  the 
catkin  ;  calyx  3-  to  5-parted  ;  stamens  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the  calyx, 
with  short  filaments.  Pistillate  flowers  2  to  3  under  each  scale  of  the  cat- 
kin ;  calyx  of  4  small  scal'^'s,  adherent  to  the  scales  of  the  catkin. 

A  slender  shrub,  (5  to  12  feet  high.  Ijcaves  obovato,  acute  at  the  base, 
rounded  or  blunt  at  the  apex,  shai*ply  serrate,  somewhat  coriaceous,  green 
both  sides,  smooth  or  downy  beneath.  The  flowers  appear  early  in  spring 
before  the  expansion  of  the  leaves,  the  staminate  ones  in  long  drooping 
catkins,  the  pistillate,  in  short  erect  ones,  which,  in  fruit,  are  ovate,  and 
persist  for  a  long  time  upon  the  stem. 

Ilabital. — Common  in  swamps  and  along  the  marshy  borders  of  streams, 
from  Southern  New  England  to  Wisconsin  and  southward. 

Part  Used. — The  bark — not  official. 

Constituents.— The  only  important  constituent  of  alder  bark  thus  far 
discovered  is  tannin. 

Preparations. — Commonly  used  in  decoction. 

Medirul  Properties  and  Uses. — Alder  bark  is  alterative  and  astringent. 
It  is  said  to  have  be^n  used  in  diarrhoea,  and  hipmaturia.  In  some  sec- 
tions of  the  country  it  is  largely  employed  in  domestic  practice  as  a  puri- 
fier of  the  blood,  both  for  the  human  subject  and  domestic  animals.  The 
author  has  seen  it  employed  many  times  in  persons  afflicted  with  succes- 
sive crops  of  boiL^  wi'h  the  happiest  eiTect.  E-v-idently  such  effects  could 
nol  have  been  produced  by  the  tannin  which  it  contains,  hence  there  is 
probably  present  some  other  principle  of  an  active  character  which  has  not 
as  yet  been  isolated. 

Other  species  of  alnus,  both  indigenous  and  exotic,  possess  similar 
properties. 

SALICACE^. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Trees  or  shrubs  with  alternate  simple,  stipu- 
late leaves.  Flowers  dicecious,  in  catkins,  one  under  each  bract,  entirely 
destitute  of  a  floral  envelope.  Fruit  a  1 -celled,  2-valved,  many-seeded  pod, 
the  seeds  provided  with  long  silky  down. 

A  small  order  compi'ising  two  genera,  namely,  Salix  and  Populus.  All 
of  them  pc^jess,  to  a  grtater  or  less  extent,  bitter  tonic  properties. 

SALIX.— Willow. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Scales  of  the  catkin  entii-e.  Staminate  flowers 
of  2  to  10  distinct  or  united  stamens,  with  1  or  2  small  glands.  Pistillate 
flowers  with  a  small,  flat  gland  at  the  base  of  the  ovary. 


2.j4  saltcace.e. 

A  verj'  large  genus  of  slirubs  ami  trees,  growing  cliiefl}  along  water- 
courses in  the  northern  temperate  zone,  but  some  inhabit  high  mountain", 
and  one  is  found  nearer  tlie  nortli  pole  than  any  other  shrubby  j)l!i';..  All 
known  sjiecies  are  bitter,  and  contaiii  xalicii)  in  a  greater  or  1(!S'  proportion. 
The  one  in  which  this  principle  is  most  abundant,  and  which  has  therefore 
been  chiefly  employed  medicinally,  is : 

Salix  alba  Linne. —  Mltilc  Willow. 

JJr.-iCj'ip/ion. — Catkins  long,  loose,  pedunculate,  borne  on  the  summit  of 
the  lateral  leafy  branches  of  the  season.  Scales  entire,  greenish-yellow, 
more  or  less  hairy,  falling  before  the  pods  are  ripe.  Stamens  mostly  2  ; 
filaraents  hairy  below.  Ovary  short-stalked  or  nearly  sessile,  glabrous ; 
stigmas  thick,  recurved. 

A  tr  e,  50  to  80  feet  high.  Leaves  lanceolate  or  elliptic-lanceolate, 
pointed,  somewhat  toothed,  clothed  more  or  less  with  white,  silky  hairs, 
esi^ecially  beneath. 

Habitat. — Iuh\.Juced  from  Euroj)e,  but  naturalized  and  very  eommon 
in  moist  situations. 

The  indigenous  species  of  willow  are  very  numerous,  and  many  of  them 
are  very  common,  but,  as  few  of  them  have  ever  been  employed  medicinally, 
they  need  not  occnjn-  our  attention  here. 

Part  Used. — Tlie  bark  of  salix  alba  and  of  other  species  of  salix. — 
United  States  Pharmacoixxda. 

Constituent.^.  — Willow  bark  contains  as  its  most  important  constituent, 
salicin.  This,  as  remarked  above,  has  been  found  in  all  species  which  have 
been  examined.  On  this  account  the  Pharmacopa'ia  recognizes  not  only 
salix  alba,  but  "other  species."  The  bark  also  contains  considerable  tan- 
nin, and  common  vegetable  princij^les. 

Preparation f>. — None  ai'e  official.  It  has  been  employed  in  powder,  de- 
coction, and  infusion.  The  active  principle,  salicin.  is  the  most  eligible 
and  efficient  form  in  which  to  employ  it. 

lledical  Properties  and  Uses. — Willow  bark  is  tonic  and  antiperiodic.  It 
has  been  used  in  intermittents,  and  as  a  tcniic  in  dyspepsia,  debility,  and 
convalescence.  Eecently  salicin  has  been  employed  with  asserted  benefit  in 
rheumatism. 

I'OI'ULUS.-Popi.ATi. 

Cliaractcr  of  the  Genus. — Si'alcsof  the  catkins  j  igged  or  iiregularly  cut- 
lobed  at  the  apex.  Flowers  in  a  cup-shaped  disk  ;  the  staminate  with  4  to 
150  stamens ;  the  pistillate  of  a  single  pistil.  Trees  with  broad,  more  or 
less  cordate  leaves,  the  petioles  often  compressed  laterally,  thus  occasion- 
ing a  tremulous  motion  when  the  least  agitated.  Catkins  long  and  drooj)- 
ing,  appearing  before  the  leaves, 

Populus  tremuloides  Michaux. — American  Aspen. 

Description. — Scales  of  the  catkins  in  3  or  4  linear  divisions,  fringed 


POP  'LUS — POPLAK.  255 

witli  long  hairs.  A  tree,  20  to  50  feet  high,  with  smooth,  grccnish-whito 
bark.  Loaves  roiiuiUsli-cordute,  acuiuinate,  serrate,  sniootli  both  sitles, 
downy  on  the  margiuH ;  i)etioleH  long,  slender,  laterally  compressed,  so 
that  the  gentlest  breeze  suffices  to  keep  the  leaves  constantly  agitated. 

Habitat. — lu  woods  and  copses  ;  common. 

Populus  balsamifera  Liunt'. — Ikttffum  Poplar,  Tarmahnn. 

Dcscrqifion. — Scales  of  the  catkins  dilated,  slightly  liairy.  A  tree,  40  to 
80  feet  high.  Loaves  ovate,  acuminate,  sei-rate  Avith  ai)prcssed  teeth, 
smooth  both  sides,  green  above,  white  and  reticulate-veiny  beneath.  In 
spring  the  buds  arc  covered  with  an  aromatic  resin. 

Habitat. — In  moist  soil,  Northern  New  England  to  Wisconsin  and  nortli- 
ward. 

A  variety  of  this  species  (/'.  caudicans  Aiton — P>nhn  of  Cilcad)  differs  in 
having  the  leaves  l^roader  and  somewhat  cordate  ;  it  is  common  in  cultiva- 
tion as  a  shade  tree. 

Pa?Vx  (W(1. — Of  P.  tremuloides,  the  bark  ;  of  P.  balsamifera  the  resin- 
oua  exudation  of  the  buds — neither  is  official. 

ConxtitHi'.nti<. — The  bark  of  all  si)ecies  of  pojilar  contains  a  crystalline 
principle;  termed  popitJin,  closely  resembling  salicin.  The  resin  of  the 
balsam  poj)lar  does  not  dift'er  materially  in  composition  from  other  aro- 
matic resins. 

r reparations. — Poplar  bark  is  commonly  administered  in  decoction  or 
infusion.  The  resin  of  the  balsam  poplar  is  readily  separated  from  the 
buds  by  boiling  them  in  water  ;  it  may  then  be  dissolved  in  alcohol,  and 
administered  in  this  form,  or  a  tincture  of  tlie  entire  buds  may  be  em- 
ployed. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Poplar  bark  is  a  bitter  tonic,  acting  like 
willow-bark,  and  i^ossessing  feeble  antiperiodic  properties.  It  is  little 
used. 

Poplar  balsam  is  reputed  tonic  and  stimulant.  It  was  formerly  used 
to  a  limited  extent  in  pharmacy,  to  prevent  ointments  becoming  rancid. 

CONIFER/E. 

CJiaracfer  of  the  Order. — Monoecious,  rarely  dioecious,  trees  or  shrubs ; 
flowers  in  catkins,  destitute  of  calyx  and  corolla  ;  stamens  inserted  on  the 
axis  of  the  catkin  under  the  scales,  or  the  anther-cells  are  sessile  on  the 
scales  themselves  ;  ovules  and  seeds  naked.  Leaves  mostly  awl-.shaped  or 
needle-shaped.     Juice  commonly  resinous. 

A  large  order,  dispersed  over  all  parts  of  the  globe,  most  al)undant 
in  temperate  regions,  but  extending  also  to  the  tropics  and  friqid  zones. 
It  comprises  three  well-mai"ked  sub-orders,  namely  :  Abietinede,  Pine 
Family;  Cupressineae,  Cypress  Farnihj ;  Taxineae,  Yew  Family. 


256  CONIFEU^. 


ABIETINE^. 


Character  of  the  Svh-Ord(rr. — Ovules  2,  inverted,  in  the  axil  of  a  scale  or 
bract ;  bracts  imbricated,  in  fruit  forming  a  woody  cone. 

PINUS.— Pine. 

Character  of  the  Genus. — Steiile  catkins  clustered  about  the  base  of  the 
young  current-year  shoots  ;  the  fertile  at  the  apex,  and  maturing  the  fol- 
lowing year.  Leaves  2  to  5  in  a  cluster,  sheathed  at  the  base  by  thin,  chaff- 
like persistent  scales. 

Trees  of  a  gregarious  habit,  often  forming  largo  forests  ;  found  only 
in  the  Northern  hemisphere. 

Pin  US  austral  is  Michaux  {P.  jmlutitris  Linno.) — Lotuj-leaved  or  Yellmo 
Pine. 

Description, — Cones  6  to  10  inches  long,  cylindrical  or  conical-oblong, 
the  thick  scales  armed  Avith  a  short  recurved  sjiiue.  Leaves  in  clusters  of  3, 
10  to  15  inches  long,  with  long  sheaths,  crowded  at  the  summit  of  thick 
and  very  scaly  braTicLes.  A  tree  60  to  80  feet  high,  with  thin-scaled  l)ark 
and  very  i-esinous  wood,  dividing  near  the  summit  into  a  number  of  spread- 
ing branches. 

Habitat. — From  Southern  Virginia  soutliAvard,  growing  in  sandy  soil, 
and  often  forming  forests  many  miles  in  exten*^^. 

Pin  US  Tseda  Linne. — LohloUij  or  Old-field  Pine. 

Description. — Cones  3  to  5  inches  long,  elongated-oblong,  tapering,  the 
scales  tipped  with  a  stout  incurved  spine.  Leaves  in  clusters  of  2  or  3,  G  to 
10  inclips  long,  with  long  sheaths.  A  tree  oO  to  100  feet  high,  with  very 
thick,  furrowed  b.irk,  and  sparingly  resinous  wood  ;  when  growing  in  fields 
it  is  low,  with  spreading  branches. 

Habitat. — In  light  soil,  from  Delaware  southward  ;  often  establishing 
itself  in  fields  exhaust  jd  by  cultivation,  hence  called  old-field  pine. 

The  above-described  species  may  be  taken  as  fairly  representing  the 
medicinal  trees  of  the  genus,  though  many  others  possess  similar  or  identi- 
cal properties.  Recognizing  this  fact,  and  that  the  medicinal  derivatives 
of  pine  are  procured  from  a  variety  of  species,  the  United  States  Pharma- 
copoeia mentions  by  name  only  the  most  important,  Pinus  australis,  but 
adds,  "other  si^ecies  of  pinus." 

Parts  Used. — The  medicinal  virtues  of  pine  reside  in  its  oleo-resin. 
Tliis  exudes  in  greater  or  less  quantity  from  all  species  when  wounded, 
most  abundantly,  however,  from  P.  australis,  and  is  official  under  the 
name  terebinthina—turpentine.  From  it  are  procured  oil  of  tui-pentine 
and  resin,  while  from  the  wood  itself  tar  is  obtained  by  the  process  of  de- 
structive distillation. 

Constituents. — Turpentine,  as  it  exudes  from  the  tree,  is  a  yellowish, 


AlilES — SPRCCE.  257 

viscid,  snmowhat  opfilesront  liquid,  of  an  fip;rcral>le  odor  and  a  pinigent, 
bitterisli  taste.  ]'!xiK)se(l  to  tlio  air  for  a  k'n<4lli  of  tiiiio  it  c«ncrt'tt'8,  and 
forms  a  tou^li  mass  wliicli  is  brittle  when  cold.  It  consists  of  volatile  oil 
and  rosin.  The  former  is  sei)aratcd  by  distillation,  and  is  the  spirit  of 
turpentine  of  commerce,  while  the  latter  is  the  non-volatile  residue,  com- 
mercially known  as  rosin.  Tar  is  an  cniiiyreumatic  oleorcsin  of  very  com- 
plex composition,  containing  acetic  acid,  methylic  alcohol,  creasote,  car- 
bolic acid,  etc. 

I'rcparnlioiifi. — Of  turpentine  :  Oleum  terebinthina' — oil  of  turpentine, 
resina — resin.  Preparations  of  oil  of  turpentine  :  Linamentum  canthan- 
dis — cantharides  liniment ;  linamentum  terebinthinic— turpentine  lini- 
ment. Preparations  of  resin  :  Ceratum  resinm — resin  cerate  ;  emplastrum 
r(!sin!r — rosin  plaster.  Preparations  of  tar  :  Sj-rupus  picis  liquiihe — synip 
of  tar  ;  unguentum  picis  liquicUe — tar  ointment.— ('////crZ  Stales  riianua- 
copci'ia. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Crude  turi^ontine  is  seldom  or  never 
used  internally  at  the  present  daj-^  ;  since  its  virtues  are  believed  to  reside 
chiefly  in  its  essential  oil,  this  is  almost  universally  employed  instead.  Oil 
of  turpentine  is  stimulant,  diuretic,  anthelmintic,  and  in  lai-ge  doses,  catliar- 
tic  ;  externally  it  is  rubefacient  and  mildly  vesicant.  In  hduvU,  frequently 
repeated  doses  it  stimulates  the  kidneys,  augments  the  secretion  of  ui-ine, 
and  occasionally  produces  stranguiy  and  luematuria.  In  large  doses  it 
produces  \ertigo,  nausea,  and  often  brisk  catharsis.  It  is  used  in  a  great 
variety  of  cases.  Like  other  terebinthinate  medicines  it  is  often  employed 
in  the  later  stages  of  gonorrho'a,  and  in  other  catan-hal  ailections.  In 
typhoHl  fever,  and  in  other  iili'ections  whore  tynqutnites  is  a  jn-ominent  and 
disti'cssing  symptom,  it  often  aftbrdi^  great  relief ;  and,  indeed,  in  low  ty- 
phoid conditions  generally  its  employment  is  commonly  very  satisfactory. 
Its  controlling  influence  in  passive  hemorrhages  has  also  long  been  recog- 
nized and  made  use  of.  As  a  vermifuge  it  often  enters  into  tho  conqwsi- 
tion  of  draughts  for  the  expulsion  of  taniia.  Externally,  alo'  or  in  com- 
bination, it  is  largely  employed  as  a  rubefacient. 

Resin  is  employed  as  an  ingredient  of  plasters  and  cerates,  to  which  it 
gives  consistence  and  adhesiveness,  without  adding  sensibly  to  their  ac- 
tivity. 

The  medicinal  properties  of  tar  are  similar  to  those  of  turpentine, 
modified,  however,  to  some  extent  by  the  puiely  empyreumatic  bodies 
which  it  contains.  It  is  used  internally  and  by  inhalation  in  chronic  ca- 
tai-rhal  ati'ections,  and  externally  in  a  variety  of  cutaneous  diseases. 

ABIES.— SmucE. 

Charnrtcr  of  the  Genus. — Sterile  catkins  scattered  or  clustered  in  the 
axils  of  the  leaves  of  the  preceding  year  ;  fertile  catkins  lateral  or  terminal 
on  the  branches  of  the  preceding  year  ;  both  appearing  in  spring,  the  cones 


258  CONIFKR.E. 

mJitnrinf,'  in  Hip  mitunm  of  tlio  Kivnu!  ycnv.  Scales  of  tlio  oonra  tliiii,  not 
tip[KHl,  as  in. t lie  \niH\  with  a  thickened  spiiio.  Loiivcs  rigid,  foliaceous, 
Hcattcj'id,  not,  rasciculiite,  i)(r.sistcnt.  for  two  or  three  years. 

Abies  balsamea  JMiushall.— y;»/.sa»(  Fir. 

Dfftrriijlioii, — Cones  cylindricul,  2  to  4  inclies  long,  erect  on  the  upjicr 
side  of  the  spreading  branches;  scales  mostly  decidiions  from  the  persist- 
ent axis  at  malin-ity.  Leaves  ^  to  4  inch  long,  narrow,  flat,  rigid,  bright 
green  ai)ove,  silvery  beneath,  mostly  sessile  on  horizontal  f>rancheH,  and 
spreading  in  two  direetio'is  so  as  to  seem  2-i'anked, 

A  slendei",  tapering  tree,  rarely  more  than  40  feet  high  ;  branches  dimin- 
ishing in  length  in  proportion  to  their  height  from  the  ground,  forming, 
luider  favorable  circumstances,  a  perfectly  regular  pyramidal  head.  Bark 
rather  smooth.  l)eariiig  rewin  in  V(>sicles. 

JJahilnl. — In  cohl  damp  wockIs  and  swamps  from  New  England  to  Penn- 
sylvania, Wisconsin,  and  northward  ;  common  in  Canada,  not  foriuing  for- 
ests but  dissemumtod  among  other  trees. 

Abies  Fraserl  Pursh.— /V«.s(.';-'.s  or  Southern  liaJmm  Fir. 

Dcs'criftlion. — Cones  oblong-ovate,  1  to  2  inches  long,  otherwise  much 
like  the  preceding.     A  small  tree. 

Iluhital.-— Ill  tho  mountains  from  Pennsylvania  to  North  Carolina. 

Abies  Canadensis  Micliaux. — Ih'mlvch;  Hv.mlwk  Spruce. 

Description. — Cones  oval,  -^  to  J  int^h  long,  hanging  on  tho  ends  of  the 
branches  of  the  preceding  year,  persistent ;  scales  not  falling  away  from 
tho  axis.  Leaves  linear,  obtuse,  \  inch  long,  scattered,  somewhat  2-ranked, 
dark  green  above,  paler  beneath.  A  largo  tri'-  often  70  to  80  feet  liigh, 
with  a  diameter  of  2  to  3  feet ;  in  forests,  with  spreading  branches  at  the 
to]).  Bark  rougli  and  deeply-fuiTowcd  ;  wood  light,  cojv, "e-grained,  but 
comparatively  strong,  largely  used  for  fences  and  outbuildings. 

J/ahitnt. — In  hilly  and  rocky  soil.  In  many  n^gion.s  it  ioi-ms  forests  of 
considerable  extent,  especially  on  west  hillsides.  Most  common  north- 
ward. It  is  approaching  extinction  in  many  sections  of  tho  Northern 
United  States,  since  it  does  not  flourish  as  a  second-growth  tree. 

J*ari,H  L'sed. — The  resinous  exudation  of  a[[  species.  That  procured 
from  A.  balsamea  is  otKcial  under  the  name  Terebinth ina  Canadensis — 
Canada  turpentine,  or  Canada  balsam.  It  is  contained  in  l)listers  or  vesi- 
cles upon  the  bark  and  is  collected  by  puncturing  these  and  jiressing  out 
their  contents.  A.  Fiaseri  yields  a  balsam  of  identical  character.  The 
resinous  exudation  of  A.  Canadensis  is  official  under  the  name  Pix  Cana- 
densis— Canada  pitch  or  hemlock  pHch. 

C()nstituenf.'<.-  -Cimiiila  tunitntine  is  a  yellowish  or  faintly  greenish, 
tran.-ipr.rent,  viscid  li(|uid,  of  an  agreeable  terebitithinate  odor,  and  a  bitter- 
ish, slightly  acrid  taste.  Exposed  to  the  air  it  slowly  concretes,  and  forms 
a  mass  which  is  brittle  when  cold.  It  is  composed  of  volatile  oil  and 
resiu. 


LARIX  — LARCir.  259 

Canada  pitcli  is  in  opaque,  rcddiHli-brown  inaHSPH,  hard  and  lirittlo  at 
ordinary  tcnipcratureH,  but  readily  softoniii*?  by  tho  application  of  litUo 
heat.     It  contains  rosin,  and  a  ndniite  proportion  ol  .olatiU^  oil. 

I'rcjHirdliiiiis,  —  Of  Canad.'i  turpentine:  n  tne.  Of(!anatla  pilch:  Ein- 
plastruni  picis  Canadensis  —Canada  pitch  pUister.  —  L'nUcU  jSlulci  I'hunuuco- 
pwia. 

Medical  Propcrficft  and  ^'sc.s.  — Canada  turpentine  duos  not  dirt'er  mate- 
rially in  action  fioni  connnon  turpentine,  and  is  seldom  eni]iloyed  medici- 
nally. Canada  [)itch,  api)lied  externally  in  tlm  form  of  a  plaster,  pro<luces 
mild  rnbefaction,  by  virtue  of  its  volatile  oil.  It  is  emi)loyed  to  some  extent 
as  a  substitute  for  liurj^imdy  pitcli,  the  product  of  .1.  vjvc/su  of  Europe. 

Thn  bark  of  A.  Canadensis  is  very  astriu'^ent  and  is  lar^^ely  used  in 
tannin;^.  An  extract  prepared  from  it  occurs  as  a  <-onimcrcial  article  and 
has  lu'cn  emplo^'ed  to  some  extent  an  a  topical  astriuf^cnt.  It  appears  to 
Lave  uo  advantages  over  other  common  vegetable  astringents. 

LAllIX.— LA.air. 

Larix  Americana  Michanx. — Aineriivii  f/irch,  Tamarmi: 

I>t'.<ci-i/i/i(iii. — Catkins  tciininuting  shiu'l  liilcral  branches  of  the  preced- 
ing year,  the  sterile  from  leafless  Ixids,  the  f(.'rtile  mostly  with  leaves  below  ; 
cones  ovoid,  ^  to  [^  i:ich  long;  scales  few,  rounded,  not  tliickened.  Leaves 
needle-shaped,  soft,  fasciculate,  deciduous.  A  tall,  slender  tree,  Avith  hori- 
zontal branches,  and  thiu  scaly  bark,  from  ■which  exudes  an  aronuitic  resin. 

Ifdhilat. — In  swamps  and  marshy  borders  of  small  lakes  and  ponds  from 
New  England  to  Pennsylvania  and  Wisconsin  ;  most  connnon  northward. 
It  attains  its  greatesr  perfection  in  peat  swamps;  indeed,  an  abunda. .t 
growth  of  this  tree  in  a  swamp  is  almont  certain  evidence  of  a  deposit  of 
}Deat. 

Pinix  T^xcd  — Tli(!  iimer  bark  and  the  resinous  exudation — not  oflicial. 

CoiiKfifiicHli^,— It  does  not  appear  that  an  analysis  of  the  bark  of  the 
American  larch  has  yet  been  made.  The  bark  of  an  allied  European 
species  A>.  Kiivopn'a  contains  tannin  of  a  peculiar  character,  and  another 
acid  princii)le  allied  to  pyrogallic  acid  and  pyrocatechu.  The  resinous 
exudation  contains  resin  and  a  small  quantity  of  volatile  oil. 

Preparations. — The  bark  is  commonly  employed  in  decoction.  The 
resinous  exuilation,  is  an  article  of  commerce  under  the  name  of  tamarack, 
or  spruce  gum.  It  is  prepared,  gen(>rally  b}'  sophistication  with  other 
cheaper  substances,  for  use  as  chewing-gum. 

Medieal  Propertien  and  Uses. — Little  is  known  of  the  therapeutic  prop- 
erties of  tamarack  bai'k,  though  it  is  said  to  be  laxative,  tonic,  diui'etic, 
and  alterative.  Tamarack  gum  has  no  inherent  medicinal  properties. 
Being  chewed,  it  stinudates  the  salivary  secretion,  and  to  some  dyspep- 
tics alFords  a  certain  amount  of  relief  ;  but  whether  this  is  because  of  the 


260  CONIFERiE. 


iiiorraHod  flow  of  flftliva,  or  that  tlio  ftct  of  chewing  kcopa  thoir  mindH  off 
ilu!  Hubjoct  of  (li}j;('Hti()ii,  whicli  conHocinoiitly  jj^och  on  luons  sinootlily,  lire 
(lUcstiouH  not  ('(VHily  iviiswcretl.  Tlmt  houh!  dyHpoptics  arc  rdioviMl  by  the 
priKtticH!  iH  cortiiiii.  Ami  yet,  it  may  Ihj  well  to  ndd,  taiiianick  gum  is 
chiclly  chowcil,  uot  for  mciliciual  puri)OHt'H,  but  simply  as  a  liabit. 


curuEssiNE.1':. 

Character  of  the.  Suh-Ordrr. — Fertile  flowers,  couHistiuf?  of  '^.  few  carpel- 
Inry  Kcalew,  Avithr.ut  bracts,  bearing  single  or  several  erect  ovules  ou  their 
face,  forming  a  closed  strobile,  or  a  sort  of  drupe  in  fruit. 

THUJA.— Auiioii  ViT/K. 

Thuja  occidentalis  Linue. — American  Arbor  VUm,  Yellow  Cedar, 
While  Cedar. 

J)et<rrii>li(>ii. — Flowers  mostly  moiKecious  on  ditVerent  branchis,  in 
SJiiall,  terminal,  ovoid  (ratluns.  Stamens  with  4  anther  cells.  Fertile 
catkins,  with  a  few  ind)ricated  scales,  eaeh  bearing  two  ovules.  Cones 
small  ;  scales  smootlx,  not  tliickened  ;  seeds  winged  all  around.  Leaves 
appresseil,  closely  inr.  bricated  in  4  rows  ou  the  2-cdged  brauchlets,  per- 
sistent, evergreen,  shining. 

A  tree,  JJO  to  50  feet  high,  with  a  rapidly  tap.  ng  trunk,  and  horizon- 
tal or  declinate  bx'anche.s,  often  from  base  to  summit.  Wood  light,  some- 
what resinous,  very  durable. 

Ifuhitdt. — In  deep,  cold  swamps,  often  associated  with  tamarack,  and  on 
wet,  rock}'  banks  ;  common. 

J\irfs  U)^ed. — The  fresh  topf  (small  brauchlets  with  their  covering  of 
imbricated  leaves) — I'nited.  States  PJiarmaeoiueiu. 

CoiititittientK. — Thuja  has  a  balsamic,  .iomewhat  terebinthinate  odor,  and 
a  pungeutly  aromatic,  camplioraceous  and  bitter  taste.  It  has  yielded  to 
analysis  volatile  oil,  a  peculiiir  crystalline  principle  termed  thiijin,  and 
common  vegetable  principles. 

Preparations. — There  are  no  official  pi'eparations.  Fluid  extracts  and 
tinctures  occur  as  ct)nunercial  articles.  These  should  be  made  from  the 
fresh  drug. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Thuja  possesses  stimulating  jirojierties 
similar  to  those  of  terebinthinate  drugs  genei'ally,  but  is  probably  more 
nearly  allied  to  savine  in  its  action  than  to  any  other  remedy  of  the  class. 
It  has  been  employed  in  amenorrhoea,  catarx-hal  affections,  jjassive  hemor- 
rhage, etc.  Externally  it  is  useful  in  repressing  fungous  granulations, 
removing  warts,  etc. 

Thuja  should  be  carefully  distinguished  from  Cupressus  thyoides,  also, 
and  more  properly  called,  white  cedar. 


JUNIPEKUS — JUNirER. 


20 1 


JUNIPKIIUH.— .IiNii-KK. 

Charactrr  of  the  CiciiKs. — Flowers  diiJ'ciouH,  occiiHioimlly  niouajciouH, 
in  V017  Hinall  lateriil  ciitkiriH.  AiitherH  ',\  to  6,  ono-ccUed,  iiiscrtoil  in  tliti 
lower  e«l{^o  of  the  scales.  F(!rtile  flowers  few  in  a  small  ovoid  catkin,  of 
51  to  0,  llosliy  coalesccnt  scales,  each  one-ovuled.  Fruit  bcrry-Hko,  thouffh 
ill  reality  a  reduced  llesliy  cone,  with  scaly  bracts  iit  the  base,  black  with  a 
whitish  bloom. 

Everj^rcen  slnnibs  or  trees  with  small,  scale-like  leaves. 

Juniperus  communis  Linn<!'. — Common  Jmnpir. 

]>erries  f,'l<)bular,  one-third  inch  in  diameter,  durk-purplish,  uiid  covered 
with  a  whitish  bloom.  Leaves  iirtic- 
ulated,  in  whorls  of  l{.  with  a  slender 
prickly  point,  one-hidf  to  three-four! lis 
of  an  iniih  loncf,  bright  green  below, 
gkiucous-white  above. 

A  low  shrub,  4  to  (5  feet  high,  as- 
cending or  Sj)reading  on  the  ground. 

//iihilaf. — On  dry  sterile  hills  ; 
common.  It  is  abundant  also  in  Eu- 
rope, where  it  fruits  more  freely  than 
here.'. 

Juniperus  VirginianaLume. — 
liril  Cellar. 

Dcxcriplion. — Berries  smalha"  than 
in  the  preceding.  Leaves  of  two  dif- 
ferent formf-  ;  the  younger  ones  small, 
ovate,  acute,  scale-like,  ind)ri(!ate  in 
four  rows  upon  the  sub-divided 
brauclilets  ;  the  older,  awl  sliaped, 
loose,  one-half  inch  long.  The  latter 
form  is  common  in  young  plants, 
making  theni  rcsend^le,  to  some  ex- 
tent, the  preceding  species. 

A  shrub  or  small  tree  in  the  East,  but  westward  often  attaining  a  height 
of  60  to  90  feet. 

JIabitaf. — In  sterile  or  rocky  soil  ;  common.  ' 

Parts  Used. — Of  J.  connnunis  :  the  fruit — Uniled  States  Pharmncojya'ia. 
Of  J.  Virginiana  :  the  tops — formerly  official,  but  dropped  from  the  Phar- 
macop(jeia  in  1880. 

Const  it  uenlti. — Juniper  berries  contain  a  small  percentage  of  fragrant 
volatile  oil,  a  peculiar  principle  termed  Jimipenn,  and  common  vegetable 
principles.  Eed  cedar  contains  volatile  oil,  resin,  and  common  vegetable 
principles. 


Fio.  1!>Ci.  -Juniperus  commiinin. 


263  CONIFEKiE. 

PrqiaralimiK. — Of  juniiicr  Lorries:  Olexim  junipori — oil  of  jnnippr  ;  spir- 
itus  juiiiperi — spirit  of  juniper  ;  spiritus  juiii[)(ri  coinpositus — conipouud 
spirit  of  juniper. —  L^nilcd  Slalcx  I'luirnuH'opii'iu. 

Keil  cotlar  has  been  most  commonly  employed  in  infusion  or  decoc- 
tion. Tlie  berries  jjossess  properties  similar  to  tliose  of  conniion  juniper, 
and  hfive  been  employed  in  the  same  manner. 

3/('ilic(d  PropcrUcii  and  6«6\s.— Juniper  borrioH  are  stimulant,  diuretic, 
carminative  and  emmenaf^of^-uo,  imparting-  to  tlic  urine  the  odor  of  violets, 
and  sometimes  producing  irritation  of  the  urinary  passages.  They  ai'e 
chieily  employed  as  an  adjuvant  to  other  more  active  medicines. 

Bed  cedar  resembles  savine  in  action,  but  is  seldom  used. 

TAXUS. 

Taxus  baccata  Linne  var.  Canadensis  Gray. — American  Yeio, 
Ground  Hexdock. 

Description. — Flowers  dioecious  or  monrecious ;  the  sterile  in  small 
globular  catkins  ft)rmed  of  a  few  naked  stamens  ;  fertile  solitary,  consisting 
of  an  erect  ovule  with  an  annular  disk,  becoming  in  fruit  pulpy  and  berry- 
like, globular  and  reil,  encli)sing  a  single  nut-like  seed.  Leaves  evergreen, 
one-half  to  three-fourths  inch  long.  Hat,  mucronate,  rigid,  2-ranked,  much 
resembling  those  of  the  hemlock  spruce,  but  larger.  A  low,  difl'usely- 
sj)reading  shrul). 

llabUut. — In  dark  shady  places,  often  under  other  evergreens,  flourish- 
ing equally  well  in  cedar  swamps,  uplands,  and  rock}'  goi-ges ;  very  com- 
mon evervwhei-e.     In  some  sections  wrcmu'lv  called  poison  hemlock. 

This  plant,  a  variety  only  of  the  European  yew,  cannot  be  said  to  have, 
as  yet,  a  place  among  medicines.  It  is  believed,  however,  to  possess  poi- 
sonous properties,  and  is  perhaj^s  woi'thy  of  investigation.  Regarding  the 
poisonous  properties  of  the  berries,  the  author  can  state  that  he  has  •eaten 
them  without  deleterious  etfect,  but  whether  l)ecause  the  quantity  was  in- 
sufHcient  or  not,  is  an  open  question.  Cases  of  fatal  poisoning  from  eating 
the  berries  of  the  European  yew  are  oji  record,  and  therefore  our  variety 
is  certainly  open  to  suspicion. 


CLASS  n.— :\rON0C0TYLEDON0US   OK  ENDOGENOUS  PLANTS. 

Steins  with  no  distinction  of  bark,  wood,  and  pith,  their  fibrous  and 
cellular  tissue  being  irregularly  conuningled.  When  perennial,  such  stems 
do  not  increase  by  the  deposition  of  annual  layers  outside  the  wood 
alre.idy  formed,  but  by  new  material  deposited  wthin,  whence  the  term 
endogenous,  that  is,  growing  within.  Leaves  conuuonly  parallel-veined, 
sheathing  at  the  base,  and  not  articulated  vrith  the  stem.     Parts  of  the 


ArJS.EMA INDIAN    TL'UXIP. 


203 


flower  in  threes.     F.iuhryo  with  a  aiuglc  cotyledon  (ox  seed-leaf),  Avheuce 
the  term  mouocotyledoiious. 


ARACCM. 

* 

Character  of  the  Order. — Plants  with  au  acrid  or  pungent  juice,  simple 
or  compound  alternate  leaves,  and  How- 
crs  ou  a  spadix  which  is  commonly 
surrounded  l)y  a  spatlio.  Floral  enve- 
lopes absent,  or  of  4  to  G  sepals.  Fruit 
usually  a  berry. 

A  large  order  of  chiefly  tropical 
plants.  In  general  they  possess  acrid 
and  irritating  properties. 

ARISzEMA. — Indian  Tuunip, 

Ariseema  triphyllum  Torrry. — 

fndian  2'ui  nip. 

Description.  —  Flowers  inoncecious 
or  by  abortion  dioicious,  crowded  upon 
the  bas(!  of  au  elongated,  clid>shaped 
spadix,  which  is  surrounded  and  cov- 
ered by  a  flattened,  inciu'vod,  hoodetl 
spathe  ;  both  spathc  and  spadix,  tlu'  for> 
mer  es2)ccially,  often  variegated  with 
dark  purple  spots  and  stripes.  Floral 
envelope  absent.  Sterile  flowers  above 
tlie  fertile,  each  of  a  cluster  of  2-  to  4- 
cellcd  anthers  ;  fertile  flowers,  consist- 
ing of  a  single  1-celled,  5-  to  G-ovuled 
ovary,  forming  in  fruit  a  scarlet,  1-  to  5- 
seeded  berry.  Leaves  mostly  two,  di- 
vided into  >)  elliptical-ovate,  entire,  pointed,  veinj-  leaflets. 

A  low  perennial  herb,  with  a  wrinkled,  turnip-shaped,  farinaceous  corm. 
It  blooms  in  April  aiid  ^lay. 

Iliilnlut. — In  rich  woods,  everywhere. 

Fu)is  Used. — The  corm — not  official. 

Constituent.^. — Indian  turnip  contains  an  intensely  acrid  principle  which 
has  not  yet  been  isolated.  It  is  evidently  veiy  volatile,  being  jiartially  lost 
in  drying,  and  c  utirely  so  by  long  keeping. 

Friparatioiu^, — It  has  been  employed  in  substance  and  in  syrup. 

Medical  Propertieii  and  Usen. — In  the  recent  state  Indian  turnip,  applied 
to  the  skin,  may  vesicate  ;  being  chewed  it  leaves  in  the  mouth  an  acrid 


Fio.  J5T. — Ai-isitma  tripliylhim. 


264  AUACE.E. 

impression  which  persists  for  hours.  It  has  beon  emploj'ed  chiefly  in 
domestic  iiraciico,  as  a  Htimulating  expectorant,  and  to  lolieve  flatulent 
colic.  Topically  it  has  been  emjiloyed  in  aplitlious  sore  mouth,  as  a 
stimulant  to  indolent  ulcers,  and  in  cutaneous  ati'ections. 

SYMPLOCARPUS.— Skunk  Cabbage. 

Symplocarpus  foetidus  Salisbury. — Skunk  Cabbage. 

Description. — Flowers  perfect,  thickly  crowded  upon  a  globular,  short- 
stalked  spadix,  which  is  surrounded  and  covered  by  a  fleshy,  hooded  spatlie  ; 
the  latter  striped  and  spotted  witli  puri)le.  Sepals  4,  hooded.  Stamens 
4,  opposite  the  sepals.  Ovary  l-(,'elled,  immorsed  in  the  fleshy  receptacle  ; 
Style  4-angled  ;  stigma  small.  Fruit  a  globular  mass,  2  to  3  inches  in 
diameter,  composed  of  the  enlarged  fleshy  spadix  enclosing  the  seeds  just 
below  the  surface, 

A  perennial  herb,  with  a  thick  descending  root-stock,  and  numerous 
strong  fibrous  roots.  Leaves  all  radical,  1  to  2  feet  long  when  fully  grown, 
ovate,  cordate,  entire,  short  petioled,  smooth  and  shining  green.  It  blooms 
very  early  in  spring,  sometimes  even  in  winter  when  the  weather  is  mod- 
erate ;  the  fruit  matures  about  September. 

Hahilat. — In  bogs  and  wet  places,  often  associated  with  veratrum  vi- 
ride  ;  common. 

Parts  Use.i. — Tlie  rhi/omc  and  roots.  Formerly  official  under  the  name 
drarontiuin,  but  diopped  from  the  Pharmacopujia  in  1880. 

Constituenl:<. — All  parts  of  this  plant  have  a  strong  odor  like  that  of 
the  skunk.  Tlie  root  has  an  acrid,  pungent  taste,  and  possesses  an  acrid 
principle  of  a  volatile  character  which  has  not  been  isolated.  This  prin- 
ciple is  dissipated  in  drying  or  by  heat,  and  is  entii'ely  lost  Dy  long  keep- 
ing. 

Preparations. — It  has  been  employed  in  infusion,  tinctui'e,  and  in  sub- 
stance. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Skunk  cabbage  has  been  used  chiefly  in 
spasmodic  att'ections,  its  disgusting  odor  having  jn-obably  first  attbrded 
the  suggestion.  It  is  said  to  have  produced  happy  effiects  in  spasmodic 
asthma  and  in  hysteria.  In  the  latter  it  probably  acts  quite  as  strongly 
ii])on  the  mind  as  upon  the  body  of  the  patient,  possibly  more  so.  As  its 
activity  is  diminished  or  lost  b}'  long  kecjiing,  it  is  essential  that  the  drug 
be  used  as  fresh  as  possible,  or  at  least  that  the  preparations  employed  be 
made  from  the  fresh  plant. 

ACORUS.  — SwRRT  Flag. 

Acorus  Calamus  Linne. — Sweet  Flag,  Calamus. 

Description. — Flowers  perfect,  thickly  crowded  upon  a  cylindrical 
spadix  which  emerges  from  the  side  of  a  simple,  2-edged,  leaf-like  scape. 


ALISMA WATER    PLANTAIN.  2(55 

Sepals  G,  concave.  Stamens  6;  filaments  linear;  anthers  reniform. 
Ovary  2-  to  3-cellea,  oach  cell  several-ovuled  ;  stigma  minute.  Fruit  at 
length  dry,  gelatinous  inside,  1-  to  few-seeded. 

A  perennial  herb  with  thick,  creeping  rootstocks,  from  which  are  sent 
up  2-edged  leaves  and  scapes.     It  flowers  early  in  summer. 

Hahilat. — In  wet  places  ;  eommoi'  both  here  and  in  Europe. 

Part  Used.—ThQ  rhizome.  Official  name:  Calamus— 6vtiM  States 
Pharmacopipia. 

Constituents.— Ciilamiis  has  a  pungent,  bitterish  and  aromatic  taste,  and 
a  strong  fragrant  odor.  It  contains  a  small  percentage  of  volatile  oil,  a 
bitter  princijile,  and  common  vegetable  constituents. 

Pi'e2)arations.—ExtraGimn  calami  fiuidum— fluid  extract  of  Calamus. 

United  States  Pharmaef/pceia. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.— Ci\hmuH  is  an  aromatic  which  excites  a 
sensation  of  warmth  in  the  stomach,  improves  the  appetite,  and  a-'ds  diges- 
tion.    It  is  used  chiefly  as  an  adjuvant  of  other  more  powerful  remedies. 

ALISMACE/E. 

Marsh  herbs  with  scape-like  flowering  stems,  and  perfect  or  monoe- 
cious flowers.  Sepals  and  petals  3,  distinct.  Stamens  G,  hypogynous. 
Ovaries  3  to  many,  distinct  or  partly  so,  and,  if  united,  separating  at  matu- 
rity into  three  1-  or  2-SGeded  pods  or  achenia. 

An  order  comprising  two  sul)-order3,  only  one  of  which,  Alismea;  has 
medicinal  sj)ecies. 

ALISMA.— Water  Plantain. 

Alisma  plantago  Linno  (var.  Americanum  Gfray).— Water  Plan- 
tain. 

Description.— FlowevB  perfect,  numerous,  on  compound  paniculate 
scapes.  Sepals  3,  green,  persistent.  Petals  3,  involute  in  the  bud,  Avhite, 
deciduous.  Stamens  commonly  6.  Ovaries  many,  in  a  simple  circle  on  a 
flattened  receptacle,  forming  obliquely-ovate,  coriaceous  achenia,  which  are 
dilated,  and  2-  to  3-keeled  on  the  back. 

A  perennial  herb.  Leaves  ovate,  oblong  or  lanceolate,  pointed,  mostly 
rounded  or  cordate  at  the  base,  3-  to  9-nerved,  on  long  petioles. 

Habitat. — In  shallow  water  ;  common. 

Parts  Used. — The  root  and  leaves.     Not  official. 

Constituents. — Unknown. 

Preparations. — It  has  been  employed  in  infusion. 

3Iedical  Properties  and  tses.— Little  can  be  said  on  this  subject.  It 
has  been  employed  with  asserted  benefit  in  hydrophobia,  and  for  diuretic 
effect  in  nephritic  and  calculoua  affections. 


2G6  OKCIIIDACE^. 


Vrt    HIOACE^. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Hcrhs  v/it'i  perfect,  iiTegiilar  flowers.  Peri- 
anth of  (5  divisions,  in  2  sets ;  the  th"  e  outer  (sepals)  commonly  petaloid  ; 
of  the  three  inner  (petals)  one  is  commonly  more  or  less  ditt'erent  in  form 
from  the  others,  and  is  called  the  Inlyellam.  Dr  lip  ;  it  is  commonly  directed 
fonvard.  Tn  fiont  of  the  lip  is  the  column,  composed  of  a  single  stamen, 
or  in  Cypripediriu,  of  two,  with  the  rudiment  of  a  third,  coherent  with,  or 
borne  npon  the  thick  fleshy  style  or  stigma ;  anther  2-celled,  each  cell  con- 
taining one  or  riore  masses  of  pollen.  Stigma  a  broad  glutinous  surface, 
excejjt  in  Cypripedium.  Ovary  1-celled,  with  innumerable  ovules  on  3 
parif  ial  placentiS.  Fruit  a  1-cclled,  3-valved  jiod,  with  innumerable  very 
small  seeds. 

Perennial  herbs,  with  alternate  leaves,  often  tuberous  roots,  and  showy, 
irregular,  often  singularly-shaped  flowers.  A  very  large  order  of  chiotly 
tropical  plants.  The  North  American  species  are  in  genei'al  of  little  medi- 
cinal importance. 

CORAl-LORIIIZA.— CoKAL-RooT. 

Corallorhiza  odontorhiza  Nuttall. — Coral-Root. 

Da^cripfio)!. — Pei-iajith  somewhat  ringent,  obscurely  spurred  nt  '^n 
base  ;  sepnls  ii'id  petals  nearly  alike,  the  upper  arching  ;  lip  entire  or  ..ni- 
ticulate,  1  oadly  ovate  or  obovate,  abruptly  contracted  at  the  base.  A.1- 
ther  termii  1  ;  pollen  masses  4.  Pod  at  first  acute  at  the  base,  at  len/dii 
oval. 

Alight-brown  or  purplish  plant,  with  scales  instead  of  IcavciS,  0  to  "'« 
inches  high,  with  bulbous,  coral-like  I'oots,  probably  parasitic.  Flowors 
6  to  10,  on  slender  pedicels,  whitish,  ajipearuig  from  ]\Iay  to  July. 

Habitat. — In  rich  woods  from  New  York  to  Michigan  and  southwai'd. 

Fart  UxeiL — The  root — not  official. 

Constituents. — Unknown. 

Preparations. — Commonly  employed  in  infusion. 

3[edical  Froperlies. — Coral-root  is  said  to  be  a  prompt  oud  efficient 
diaphoretic. 

CYPRIPEDIUM.— L.VDY's  SLirPER. 

Cypripedium  pubescens  Willdenow.— FiiZ/v   rnrJj/s  ,%'pper. 

Description. — Calyx:  sepals  elongated-lanceolalii,  spreading,  wavy, 
brow'nish,  2  of  them  united  into  one  piece  below  tlie  Up.  Corolla  :  lateral 
petals  elongated-lanceolate,  brownish  or  yellowiHli-gi-eon,  wavy  or  more  com- 
monly twisted  ;  lip  slipper-  or  moccasin-shaped,  much  inflated,  1  to  2  inches 
long,  yellow  Avithout,  spotted  within  with  lirown.  Column  declined,  with 
a  fertile  stamen  on  each  side  ;  on  the  upper  side  is  an  abortive  stamen  iu 


PLATE   VIII. 


I.Jolinsoiv.Del. 


CYPRIPEDIUM    PUBESCENS. 


H.BISNITKK.  I.ITII-H.T. 


PLATE  Vlll.-Cypripedium  pubescens. 

Fig.  1.— Flowering  plant— natural  size. 
Fig.  2. -Side  view  of  the  column  aud  style. 
Fig.  3. -Front  view  of  the  abortive  stamen. 


ALETUIS — STAR-GRASS.  209 

the  Hhapo  of  a  triangfular,  greenish-yellow,  spotted  body,  corresponding 
with  tlio  fertile  Ktamen  of  other  orchidH,  and  covering  the  Humniit  of  the 
style ;  ntigm.:  tenuinal,  broad,  obscurely  li-lobed,  moist,  not  viscid, 

A  perennial,  3  to  2  feet  high,  with  a  horizontal  rhizome,  tufted 
fibrous  '-ootlets,  and  ntrongly  ribbed,  Blightly  pubescent  leaves  ;  stem  also 
pubescent,  1-  to  2-tlowered. 

Another  species,  G.  parmfhmun,  Salisbury,  is  very  similar,"  if  not  iden- 
tical with  this  ;  at  least  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  distinguish  on(!  from 
the  other. 

Jfabilal.  —Id  bogs,  swamps,  and  low  woods  ;  sometimes  in  mountain 
woods.  Widely  distributed,  and,  in  some  regions,  common.  Tlie  vary- 
ing conditions  und'3r  which  it  will  llourish  are  rather  remarkable.  The 
author,  while  seeking  plants  to  illustrate  Hiis  woi-k,  found  it  in  a  dry  situ- 
ation on  th^  Oi'ango  Mountains,  N,  J.,  and  again  in  AVestern  New  York, 
in  a  deep,  and  almost  impassible  swamp,  where  it  grew  upon  moss-covered 
logs,  surrounded  ])y  water. 

Parts  Used. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets  of  C  pubescons  and  C.  i)arvi- 
florum — United  Stafeti  Pharmacopada. 

(]imditaents.—\.  minute  quantity  of  volatile  oil,  volatile  acid,  resin, 
and  common  vegetable  princii)les. 

J'n'nanifionx. — Extractum  cypripedii  lluidum — fluid  extract  of  Cy- 
pripedium. —  United  States  Pharniacopwla. 

Medical  Properties  and  L'sw.— Cypripediuni  is  a  mild  nervous  stinui- 
lant  and  anti-spasmodic,  acting  fiomewhat  like  valerian,  but  less  efficiently. 
Its  use  is  almost  entirely  restricted  to  hysterical  affections,  though  it  is 
said  to  have  been  employed  successfidly  in  epilepsy,  neuralgia,  and  other 
nervous  diseases. 

H/EMODORACE>E. 

Cfiaracter  of  the  Order. — Perennial  herbs  with  fibrous  roots,  ensiform, 
equitant  leaves,  and  bearing  woolly  hairs  or  scui'f  on  their  stems  and  flow- 
ers. Perianth  0-cleft  at  the  summit,  cohering  with  the  whole  surface;,  or 
with  the  base  only  of  the  ovary.  Stamens  3  to  0,  inserted  at  the  base  of 
the  lobes  of  the  perianth.  Ovary  3-celled  ;  style  single,  often  8-cleft. 
Pod  crowned  or  enclosed  by  the  persistent  perianth,  3-celled,  3-  to  many- 
seeded. 

A  small  order  of  mainly  unimportant  plants. 

ALETRIS.  — Stah-G  n  A8S. 

Aletris  farinosa  Linno. — Star-Gra.'is,  Colic-Root. 

Description. — Perianth  oblong-tubular,  G-cleft,  not  woolly,  but  wi-inkled 
and  roughened,  cohering  wif  i  the  base  of  the  ovary,  white.     Stamens  G. 


270  JltlDACE^E. 

Style  awl-Hlmpod,  3-cleft.  Potl  ovate,  cuc1ohc<1  in  the  permsteut  perianth  ; 
Heeds  numerous. 

A  perennial  herb  with  a  horizontal  vhizonio  and  fibrouH  rootlets. 
Leaves  all  radical,  in  a  cluster,  thin,  tiat,  lanceolate.  Flowers  sniall,  in  a 
wandlik(!  racenio  terminating  a  naked  scape,  2  to  W  feet  high.  It  blooms 
in  Jul^  and  August. 

Habitat.-  -\i\  sandy  and  grassy  woods  ;  widely  distributed. 

PuHh  Used. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets — foi'merly  c'licial. 

Contilitnciiln. — Star-gi'ass  contains  a  bitter  princii)le,  not  yet  isolated, 
slurch,  and  other  common  ve;.'etal)le  constituents. 

J'rrpiirdluiii!^. — Commonly  used  in  infusion  or  decoction.  The  bitter 
principle,  however,  seems  to  be  more  soluble  in  alcohol  than  in  water,  and 
hence  a  tincture  wovdd  undoubtedly  bo  more  eificient.  It  has  also  been 
employed  in  powder. 

Medical  J'roprriics  and  Uses. — Star-grass  probably  possesses  no  me- 
diciuiil  properties  other  than  those  of  simi)le  bitters  generally,  though 
otliers  have  been  ascribed  to  it ;  and  as  remedies  of  this  class  jjroduco 
dillerent  etl'ects,  dejiending  largely  upon  the  manner  of  administration,  so 
this  may  bo  employed  as  a  tonic,  diaphoretic,  emetic,  etc. 

IRIDACE/E. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Herlis  with  corma,  rhizomes,  or  fibrous  roots, 
equitant,  2-ranked  leaves,  and  flowers  from  a  sheath  of  2  or  more  leaves  or 
bracts.  Perianth  G-parted,  in  2  rows,  sometimes  irregular,  the  tube  cohe- 
rent with  the  Ij-celled  ovary,  and  3  distinct  or  monadelphous  stamens,  alter- 
nate with  the  inner  •divisions  of  the  perianth  and  opposite  the  stigmas. 
Pod  3-celled,  many  seeded. 

A  lai'ge  order  in  tropical  regions,  but  represented  in  Morth  Ameiica 
by  few  species.     They  are  generally  characterized  by  acrid  properties. 

IRIS. 

Iris  versicolor  Linne. — Blue  Flag. 

Descrijdion. — Perianth  deeply  G-parted,  the  3  outer  divisions  reflexed, 
the  8  iniier  smaller,  erect ;  the  tube  prolonged  beyond  the  ovary,  but 
shorter  than  the  lobes.  Stamens  distinct,  covered  by  the  petaloid  stigmas. 
Ovary  and  pod  obtusely  triangular. 

An  herl)aceous  perennial  with  a  tortuous,  thickened  root-stock.  Stem 
stout,  1  to  3  feet  high,  angled  on  one  side,  branching,  leafy.  Leaves  eflsi- 
form,  three-fourths  inch  wide,  G  to  8  inches  long.  Flowers  large  and 
showy,  2i  to  3  inches  long,  violet-blue  variegated  with  greenish,  yellow, 
and  white,  with  pu)i)le  veins,  appearing  in  May  and  Juno. 

Habitat. — In  marshes  and  wet  places  ;  one  of  the  commonest  and  most 
beautiful  of  wild  dowers. 


IRIS.  271 

Paris  Ui^rd. — Tho  rhizomo  and  rootlets.  Official  name  :  Iris — I'niled 
States  I'harmacopd'in. 

Con.^tUurnts. — Besides  coinmon  vegotahlo  priiiciplea  iris  coutaiusi  an 
acrid  retin,  upou  which  its  medicinal  activity  depeud«. 


Fio.  158.— Iris  vciKicoIor. 

Prepnrntions. — Extractum  iridis — extract  of  iris ;  extractum  iridis  flui- 
dum — fluid  extract  of  iris. —  United  Stales  Pharmacopam.  A  saturated 
tiucture  made  from  the  fresh  rhizome  is  an  excellent  preparation. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Iiis,  in  full  doses,  is  an  active  emeto- 
cathartic,  ojierating  with  violence,  and  producing;  considerahle  prostration. 
Its  effects  upon  the  liver  appear  to  be  analogous  to  those  of  podophyllum. 
In  sick  headache  dependent  upon  indigestion,  small  doses,  frequently  re- 
peated, often  act  most  happily.     It  has  been  largely  used  by  eclectic  prac- 


272  LILIAOE.E. 

iitionrrH,  and  i.s  lu{,'lily  CHtoonird  l»y  tliom  as  a  hj'dragoguo  cathartic,  an 
iiltcrativo,  Hiulagoguc,  ver'nifuge,  ami  diuretic. 

LiLIACE^. 

(Diarartcr  of  fhr  Order. — Horbs,  rarely  woody  plants,  with  bulbs,  corms, 
viiizomcH,  or  fibrnuH  rools,  simple,  Hliciifliiii^'  or  clasping  loavf.s,  and  regu- 
lar llowcr.s.  I'orianth  colored,  of  (i  divi.sions  or  (l-deft ;  staniens  (i  ;  ovary 
;{-(!cllcd  ;  Htylt!  single  ;  stigma  himplo  or  3-lobed.  Fruit  3-colled,  capsular 
or  Hucculonl. 

A  very  largo  order  in  temperate  and  tropical  regions.  Many  of  them 
are  actively  emetic,  cathartic,  etc.,  while  otluors,  as  the  onion  and  garli". 
arc  edible. 

TUILLIUM.— TnuEK-i.K.vvEn  NuiiiTHUAnE. 

Character  of  the  Genutt. — Divisions  of  the  jx^rianth  in  2  scries,  the 
outer  3  (sepals)  lanceolate,  spreading,  often  loUacecms,  jiersistent ;  the 
inner  3  (petals)  liu'ger,  colored,  withering.  Anthers  on  short  iilaiuoits,  ad- 
nate.  Styles  or  sessile  stigmas  3,  separate  down  to  the  ovary,  persistent. 
Ovary  3-  to  fi-angled.     Fruit  an  ovate,  3-celled,  many-seeded  berry. 

Perennial  herbs  with  a  simple  stem  rising  from  a  short  thick  rhizome, 
and  be:iring  a  whf)rl  of  3  leaves  and  a  single  terminal  llower. 

Trillium  erectum  Linne. — Jldhroot,  Jliilhrnul,   Widr-Hohin. 

Desrnplioii. — Flower  on  a  slender,  erect  or  inclined  pedunc^le,  1  to  3 
inches  long.  Petals  ovate,  acutish,  dark  purple,  spreading,  withering,  a 
little  longer  than  the  sepals.  Leaves  dilated-rhoniboidal,  about  as  broad 
as  long.     It  blooms  in  May. 

A  variety  of  this  species  [mr.  albniii  Pursh — T.  i)ctulalum  Alton)  has 
the  petals  greenish-white  Oi'  yellowish. 

Ilahi/al. — In  rich  woods ;  common.  The  variety  is  found  in  similar 
locations. 

Trillium  grandiflorum  Salisbury. — Large  While  Wale-Robin. 

Descrl/tli(\ji. — Flower  on  a  slender  erect  or  inclined  peduncle,  2  to  3 
inches  long.  Petals  obovate,  spreadixig,  2  to  2\-  inches  long,  much  longer 
than  the  sepals,  white,  changing  to  rose-color  and  finally  withering. 
Leaves  rhomboid-obovate,  longer  than  broad.     It  blooms  in  June. 

Hahilat. — In  rich  woods  from  Vermou'  to  Kentucky,  Wisconsin  and 
northward. 

The  above  described  species  of  trillium  will  serve  to  illustrate  the  ge- 
nus. There  is  probably  littk;  diflercnce  in  the  activity  of  any  indigenous 
species,  and  all  are  collected  indiscriminately. 

Parts  'Used. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets — not  official. 

Constituents. — In  addition  to  common  vegetable  constituents,  as  starch, 


VKUATKUM — FALSK   lIKLLKHuUK. 


27.'t 


tannin,  etc.,  trilliiim  contains  a  potMilifti*  iicrid  priiiciplo  wliich  rcciuircH 
further  iiivcHli^iitinii. 

J'n'i)(traliuii.-<. — Uwcil  in  powder  nnd  in  infuHion. 

Mi'diad  J'i'oprii it's  and  I'kcx. — Trillium  is  said  to  1x3  aHtriiijj;ont,  tonic, 
and  alterative.  From  its  suppoHcd  action  upon  the  uteruw  it  derived  tho 
name  birth-root.  It  lias  been  enipU)yed  to  (^heck  ]ieniorrha<,'e9,  as  opiH- 
taxis,  hieino})tyKis,  and  nicnorrliar^ia,  and  as  an  aHtrin^cut  and  siiinulalinfjf 
ii])plication  to  ulcers,  etc.     It  is  little  used  except  by  eclectic  practitionera. 

VKRATUUM.— Falsi;  IIki.m-.iiokk. 
Veratrum  viride  Alton. — American  Ilcllnboiv. 


Fio.  169. — Veratnmi  viriclc. 


Description. — Flowers  monoeciously  polygamous.     Perianth  of  6,  sepa- 
I'ate,  spreading,  yellowish-green,  persistent  sepals.    Stamens  free  from,  and 


274  LILIACE^E. 

shorter  than  the  sepals,  recurved.  Ovary  3  celled,  free  from  the  perianth  ; 
styles  3,  diverging.  Pod  3-lobed,  of  3  raenibx  "eoui.  carpels,  united  in 
the  axis,  but  separating  when  mature,  several-seeded. 

A  stout  herbaceous  ^'fii'ennial,  2  to  4  feet  high.  Stems  simple,  fi-om  a 
thickened  rootstock,  bosct  --.vith  numerous  strong,  fibrous  rootlets.  Leaves 
broadly  oval,  pointed,  sheathing  at  the  base,  strongly  plaited,  the  lower 
large,  the  upper  very  much  reduced.  Flowers  in  dense  spike-like  racemes 
arranged  in  a  large,  leafy  panicle,  appearing  in  June  and  July. 

Ilabilal. — In  swamps  and  low  grounds  ;  everywhere  common,  often  as- 
sociated with  skunk-cabbage. 

ParU  Csed. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets  ;  official  name,  Veratrum  viride 
—  United  State.H  Pharmaroixcia. 

Covdifuenls. — The  active  princii^les  of  veratrum  viride  appear  to  be  of 
a  rather  comi)lex  character.  In  1SG5  tAvo  alkaloids  were  discovered  in  the 
drug,  which  received  the  names  viridia  and  veratroidia.  The  first-named 
was  afterward  shown  to  be  impure  Jcrvia,  Avhile  verafroldia,  upon  inves- 
tigation, yielded  a  number  of  proximate  principles.  None  of  these  princi- 
ples, however,  have  been  separated  in  commercial  (juantities.  At  most 
only  a  trace  of  verairina  (vendrine)  lias  been  discovered  in  veratrum  viride, 
this  alkaloid  being  procured  for  medicinal  purposes  from  the  seed  of 
Amgra^a  officinali'i  Lindley  ( Veratrum  mbadUla  Schlecht). 

Preparations. — Extractum  veratri  viridis  fluidum — fluid  extract  of  vera- 
trum viride  ;  tinctura  veratri  viridis — tincture  of  veratrum  viride. —  United 
States  Pharmacopoeia. 

Medical  Propertien  and  Uses. — Veratrum  viride  is  a  powerful  irritant 
whether  employed  externally  or  internally.  The  powdered  drug,  when 
snuifed  up  the  nostrils,  even  in  minute  quantities,  causes  violent  sneezing  ; 
moistened  and  applied  to  the  cutaneous  surface,  it  jn'oduces  redness  and 
burning.  Taken  internally,  it  reduces  the  fulness  and  frequency  of  the 
pulse,  and,  if  the  dose  be  large,  or  long-continued,  excites  nausea,  vomiting, 
and  purging  and  causes  great  prostration.  It  is  used  chiefly  in  inflamma- 
tory affections  of  a  decidedly  sthenic  type,  particularly  tho.se  of  the  respira- 
tory organs.  Many  practitioners  rely  upon  it  almost  to  the  entire  exclusion 
of  other  agents  in  the  earh'  stage  of  pneumonia,  claiming  that,  b}'  control- 
ling the  heart's  action,  it  limits  the  inflammatory  process.  Its  action  is, 
however,  rather  diflicult  to  gauge  properly,  for  at  the  very  moment  of  pro- 
ducing ito  happiest  eft'ects  upon  the  heart,  distressing  nausea  and  vomiting 
may  occur  and  reduce  the  patient  to  a  dangerous  degree.  It  is  plainly  con- 
tra-hidicated  in  cardiac  del)ility  and  in  all  asthenic  conditions  of  whatever 
nature. 

CHAM^LIRIUM.— Devil's  Bit. 

Chamaelirium  luteum  Gray  (Helonias  lutea  Alton). — Blazinrj-Slar, 
Devil's  Bit,  Stancorl 

Description. — Flowers  dioecious.     Perianth  of  G,  separate,  spatulate- 


POLYGOXATUM SOLO:MON's    SEAL.  275 

linear,  spreading,  white,  withering-persistent  sepals.  Stamens  longer  than 
the  sepals  ;  anthers  yellow.  Pistillate  flowers  with  rndimentary  stamens  ; 
styles  3,  revolute.  Pod  ovoid-oblong,  membranaceous,  3-valved,  mauj'- 
seeded. 

An  herbaceous  perennial.  Stem  simple,  wand-like,  1|  to  2  feet  high, 
from  a  short,  thick  rootstock  with  numerous  fibrous  rootlets.  Leaves  flat, 
lanceolate,  the  lowest  spatulate,  tapering  into  a  petiole.  Flowers  in  a  ter- 
minal spicate  raceme,  4  to  9  inches  long,  appearing  in  June. 

Hah'at. — In  low  grounds  from  New  England  to  Illinois  and  southward. 

I^arls  Used. — The  rhizome  and  rootlets — not  official. 

Co)ii<(i(uerits. — A  bitter  neutral  principle,  termed  chamcelirin,  and  com- 
mon vegetable  constituents. 

Prcpardlimm. — Commonly  used  in  infusion  or  tincture.  An  iini)ure 
resinous  substance,  termed  Jichmin,  is  considerably  employed  by  eclectics. 
It  is  prepared  by  precipitation  from  the  alcoholic  tincture. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Blazing-star  is  said  to  be  tonic  and  an- 
thelmintic ;  it  is  probably  little  more  than  a  simple  bitter. 

CONVALLARIA.— Lily  of  the  Valley. 

Convallaria  majalis  Linn«' — Lih/offhe  VaUey. 

Description. — PeriaJith  bell-shaped,  (5-lobed,  white,  deciduous.  Stamens 
G,  shorter  than  the  perianth  and  inserted  on  its  base.  Ovary  8-celled  ; 
style  simple,  stout  ;  stigma  triangular.     Fruit  a  red,  few-seeded  berry. 

A  low,  stemless  perennial,  with  slender,  running  rootstocks,  and  fibrous 
rootlets.  Leaves  two,  oblong,  their  long  petioles  rolled  one  within  the 
other.  Scape  somewhat  angular,  having  a  one-sided  raceme  of  beautiful, 
fragrant  flowers,  which  appear  in  Ma}'. 

Habitat. — On  high  mountains  from  Virginia  southward  ;  si:ccifica,lly 
identical  with  tlie  common  flower  of  gardens  of  the  same  name  which  was 
introduced  from  Europe. 

Pi  is  Used. — The  rhizomo  and  rootlets — not  official. 

Constituents. — Two  glucosides,  termed  vonvallarin  and  convallamarin, 
besides  the  common  constituents  of  plants. 

Prcf  .-ations. — It  is  commonly  employed  in  the  form  of  fluid  extract. 

Medical  Properties  and  L^•ex. — Convallaria  has  been  recently  reintro- 
duced as  a  remedy,  and  is  being  considcral)ly  experimented  with  as  a 
cardiac  tonic.  In  action  it  somewhat  resembles  digitalis.  Its  sphere  of 
usefulness  is  not,  as  yet,  accurately  defined. 

FOLYGONATUM.— Solomon's  Seal. 

Charactf  of  the  Grnns. — Perianth  cylindrical,  fJ-lobed  at  the  margin. 
Stamens  (5,  inserted  about  the  middle  of  the  tube  of  the  perianth,  included. 
Ova/j'  3-celled,  each  cell  2-  to  fi-ovuled  ;  style  slender,  jointed  ;  stigma  ob- 
scurely 3-lol)ed.      Fruit  a  globular,  black  or  blue,  3-  to  G-seeded  berry. 


276  LILIACEiE. 

ft 

Herbaceous  perennials,  with  thick,  knotted  rootstocks.  Steins  leafless  be- 
low, leafy  above,  and  bearing  small  axiUary  flowers,  which  appear  in  early 
summer. 

Polygonatum  biflorum  Elliott. — Smaller  Solomon's  Seal. 

Description. — Flowers  greenish,  one-half  inch  long,  on  1-  to  3-,  com- 
monly 2-flo\vere(l  i)eduncles,  nodding.  Stem  glabrous,  1  to  3  feet  high,  re- 
curved. Leaves  alternate,  ovate-oblong,  or  lance-oblong,  nearly  sessile, 
nommonly  min    "^Dly  piibescent  above,  glaucous  beneath. 

liahilat. — In  rich  woods  ;  common. 

Polygonatum  giganteum  Dietrich, — Oreat  Solomon's  Seal. 

DeHcription. — Flowers  like  the  preceding  but  larger  and  on  2-  to  8- 
flowered  peduncles.  Entire  plant  glabrous.  Stem  stout,  2  to  8  feet  high, 
recurved.  Loaves  ovate,  somewhat  clasping,  5  to  8  inches  long,  the  upper 
oblong,  nearly  sessile, 

Haldlat. — In  rich  alluvial  soil. 

Parts  Used. — The  rhizome  and  rootlet  of  both  species — not  official. 

Constituents. — Unknown. 

Preparations. — Commonly  used  in  decoction  or  infusion. 

Medical  Properlies  and  Uses. — Solomon's  seal  has  a  sweetish,  mucilagi- 
nous taste,  followed  by  a  faint  sense  of  bitterness,  and  appeal's  to  owe  what 
little  virtue  it  possesses  to  its  mucilage.  In  decoction  it  ip  emi)loyed  as  a 
domestic  remedy  to  allay  irritation  of  mucous  surfaces,  ar  d  in  rhus  poison- 
ing, where  it  acts  by  protecting  the  inflamed  parts  from  the  air  in  the  same 
manner  a?  other  agents  of  like  character. 

The  rhizomes  of  several  indigenous  species  of  Smilacina,  a  closely  allied 
genus,  possess  similar  properties  and  are  used  for  the  same  purposes. 

ERYTHRONIUM.— Doc's  Tooth  Violei\ 

Erythronium  Americanum  Smith. — Adders  Tonf/ue,  Dog's  Tooth 
Violet. 

Description. — Perianth  of  (5  distinct,  petaloid  sepals,  in  2  series,  re- 
curved or  spreading  above,  deciduous ;  the  outer  series  greenish-yellow 
without,  yellow  within,  inner  series  all  yellow.  Stamens  G,  awl-shaped. 
Style  club-shaped  ;  stigmas  united  into  one.  Pod  3-valved,  many-seeded.. 
A  low  stemless  perennial,  sending  up  in  early  spring,  from  a  deeply  buried 
corm,  a  pair  of  clasping  elliptical-lanceolate,  pale  green  leaves,  commonly 
mottled  with  purplish,  and  a  smooth  scape  bearing  a  single  nodding  flower. 

Habitat.-  In  damp  i:)laces  in  woods  ;  common. 

Part  Used. — The  corm — not  official. 

Gonstit  nents.  — Unknown. 

Preparations. — It  has  been  employed  in  powder  and  in  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.— T>oq'h  iooi\i  violet  in  full  doses  acts  as 
an  emetic,  but  its  iiritant  properties  are  lost  in  drying,  so  that  it  becomes 
bland  and  even  edible.     It  has  never  been  much  used. 


ADIANTUM MAIDENHAIR.  277 


CRYPTOGAMOUS  OR  FLOWERLESS   PLANTS. 

Plants  which  produce  directly  without  the  intervention  of  flowers,  in- 
stead of  seeds,  minute  bodies  of  homogeneous  structure,  termed  sijores, 
whi(di  do  not  contain  an  embryo  or  plantlet  previous  to  germination. 

Cryptogams  are  divided  into  two  great  classes,  Thallogens  and  Acho- 
GENS,  the  latter  comprising  those  liaving  a  distinct  axis,  that  is,  a  stem  or 
stem  and  branches,  growing  froni  the  apex  only,  containing  woody  fibre 
and  vessels,  and  commonly  with  some  sort  of  foliage.  To  this  class  be- 
long the  few  cryptogams  described  in  this  work. 

FILICES-FERNS. 

Character  of  the  Order. — Plants  with  leaves,  called  fronds,  all  j'adieal, 
on  stalks,  called  stii^es,  rising  from  a  root  or  roostock,  circinate  in  the  bud, 
and  bearing  the  fruit  variously  arranged  in  1-celled  spore-cases  on  their 
un'^er  surface.  The  North  American  si^eciesare  all  herbaceous  perennials. 
Few  of  them  are  medicinally  important. 

POLYPODIUM— Poi.vi'ODT. 

Polypodium  vulgare  Linm'. — Common  Poli/pofh/. 

Description, — Fruit-dots  round,  comparatively  hu'ge,  naked,  placed 
half-way  bet'veen  the  midrib  and  margin,  commonly  in  a  row,  but  some- 
times scattered.  Eoot-stock  creeping,  branched,  often  forming  a  tangled 
mass,  covered  with  brownish  chaffy  scales.  Fronds  evergreen,  oblong  or 
lanceolate  in  general  outline,  smooth  both  sides,  4  to  10  inches  high,  sim- 
ply and  deeply  pinnatifid  ;  the  lobes  linear-oblong,  obtuse,  entire  or  ob- 
scurely toothed. 

Habitat, — On  rocks  and  fallen  trees  ;  common  both  here  and  in  Europe. 

Parts  L'sed. — '2he  rhizome  and  rootlets — not  official. 

Constituents. — Unknown. 

Preparations, — Commonly  used  in  decoction. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses, — Common  polypody  has  a  sweetish,  some- 
what nauseous  taste.  In  the  recent  state,  large  doses  produce  mild  pur- 
gation. Highly  esteemed  by  the  ancients,  it  has  fallen  into  entire  disuse. 
Owing  to  the  ease  with  which  it  may  be  administered  in  milk,  it  has  been 
recently  recommended  as  a  purgative  for  young  childrea. 

ADIANTUM.  — Maiuknii  AIK. 

Adiantum   pedatum  Linne. — Maidenhair. 

Description. — Fi-uit>-dots  marginal,  short,  slightly  crescentic,  covered 
by  an  indusium  formed  of  the  reflected  border  of  the  lobe.     Fronds  erect 


278  FILTCES — FERNS. 

on  (lark-pnrple  or  black  polisliod  stipoH,  (i  to  15  inclios  hipli  ;  tlioso  fork  at 
the  summit,  and  each  Iji-nncli  gives  off  on  its  upi)or  side  simple  branches  3 
to  9  inches  long,  wliicli  are  thi(!kly  and  regularly  clothed  ■\vitli  alternate,  tri- 
angular or  rhomboidal  short-stalked  pinnrc  ;  these  are  entire  and  vein-bear- 
ing on  their  lower  mai'gin,  while  their  upper  boi'der  is  lobed,  and  fruit- 
bearing.     The  plant  as  a  whole  is  extremely  delicate  and  beautiful. 

IlahUaf. — In  rich  moist  woods  ;  common. 

Pari  ^  «■(/.— The  leaves — not  official. 

Cnnstitiumfs. — Unknown. 

Prrparafio}!,^. — Used  in  decoction  and  syrup. 

Medical  Properlies  and  Uses. — Maidenhair  has  a  bitterish,  aromatic 
taste,  and  has  been  esteemed  demulcent  and  pectoral.  An  allied  K2)ocies, 
A.  CapithiK-l'cncris,  indigenous  to  Europe,  and  also  found  in  Florida,  was 
formerly  much  used  in  chronic  catarrhal  atfoctious. 

rTEllIS.— BliAKK. 

« 

Pteris  aquilina  Limie. — Common  P.ralv. 

Descriplion. — Fruit  in  a  continuous  line  along  the  margin  of  the  fertile 
frond,  and  covered  by  its  retlexed  border.  Fronds  erect,  on  a  stout  stipe 
2  to  3  feet  high,  ternate,  the  wide-spreading  branches  bijiiunate  ;  pinnre 
oblong-lanceolate,  the  tipper  undivided,  the  lower  often  deeply  pinnatifid. 

Hahilal. — In  dry  situations  along  the  border  of  woods  ;  common. 

Part  U/^cd. — The  entire  plant — not  ofHcial. 

Consliluents. — Unknown. 

Preparalions. — Used  in  decoction  or  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  t'srw. — Brake  is  reputed  astringent  and  anthel- 
mintic, but  is  seldom  used.  Another  indigenous  species,  P.  atropin-purea 
{Rock  Brake),  a  much  more  delicate  plant,  possesses  similar  proj^erties. 

ASPLEXIUM.  — Spleenwout. 

Asplenium  filix-foemina  Bernhardt. 

Dei^cription. — Fruit-dots  short,  variously  cuiTed,  at  length  confluent ; 
often  the  fertile  vein  bears  two  sporangia,  back  to  back,  the  delicate  indu- 
sium  crossing  the  vein  and  covering  both.  Fronds  luunerous,  clustered, 
from  an  ascending  scaly  rootstoek  ;  they  are  1  to  3  feet  high,  ovate-oblong 
or  broadly  lanceolate,  bipinnate  ;  pinujc  lanceolate  ;  pinnules  confluent 
upon  the  secoudaiy  rachis  by  a  narrow  margin,  oblong  and  doubly  serrate 
or  elongate  and  incisely  cut-toothed.     A  variable  and  beautiful  species. 

ITahifat. — In  moi.st  shady  places  ;  common. 

Part    Vi^ed. — The  rhizome — not  oflTicial. 

It  is  supposed  to  possess  properties,  similar  to  those  of  male  fern  [As- 
pidiiim  fdix-ma>i),  which  see. 

Several  other  indigenous  species  of  asplenium,  oi  widely  difterent  ap- 
pearance, are  supposed  to  possess  medicinal  properties. 


ASPIDIUM — SIIIELD-FERN. 


279 


SCOLOrEXDRIUM.— IlAiiT'sToNc.tTR. 

Scolopendrium  vulgare  Smith. — Ilart's-ToiHpic 

DcHcriplion. — Fruit-dots  linear,  one-fourth  to  ono-hfilf  inch  \o\\^,  con- 
tiguous by  twos,  covered  by  a  delicate  indusiuna  which  is  torn  away  at 
maturity,  and,  the  two  coalescing,  appear  like  a  single  one.  Frond  oblong- 
lanceolate,  auricled  at  the  base,  wavy  on  the  margins,  f!  to  IS  inches  long 
by  1  to  2  inches  wide,  smooth  and  shining,  bright  green'  on  stipes  3  to  4 
inches  long. 

Ifuldlat. — In   a   few    shaded   limestone   ravines   near   Syracuse,  N.  Y., 
and  sparingly  in  the   Lake 
Superior   region   of   ]?ritish 
America ;    very  common    in 
Europe. 

J'arls  Used. — The  fronds 
— not  official. 

CotD^tifucntx.  —  INFucilagi- 
nous  and  astringent  princi- 
jilcs. 

IM'jjaraliuns.  —  Used  in 
decoction. 

7ifedical  Properties  and 
Uses. — Scolopendrium  is  one 
of  the  unimportant  remedies 
much  used  by  the  ancients. 
It  is  considered  diui'etic  and 
slightly  astringent. 

ASPIDIUM.— SnrELU-FF.ux. 

Chnracfer  of  the  Genus. — 
Fruit-dots  I'ound.  Indusium 
flat  or  ilattish,  scarious,  or- 
bicular and  peltate  at  the  cen- 
tre, or  somewliat  rcniform, 
fixed  at  thecent.ro  or  the  sinus,  and  opciiiii';- 
persistent,  not  articulated  with  tlie  rootstuck. 

Aspidium  Filix-mas  Swartz. — Mule  Fern. 

Desrriiifion. — Fruit-dots  rather  large,  nearer  the  mid-vein  than  the  mai'- 
gin,  and  usually  confined  to  the  lower  half  of  the  fei'tile  pinnules.  Fronds 
lanceolate,  1  to  3  feet  high,  bijiinnate,  the  upper  pinnules  confiuout, 
some  of  the  lower  pinnatitid-toothed  ;  pinnules  oblong,  obtuse,  serrate  at 
the  apex.  Stipes  cliafiy  at  the  base.  The  rootstock  is  from  3  to  (5  inches 
long,  ^  to  1  inch  thick,  or  with  the  stijie-remnants  2  to  3  inches  in  diam- 
eter, densely  covered  with  glossy  bx  jwn  chaffy  scales. 


Fid,  KU). — Aspiilium  Filix-iims. 

all  around  ;  stijie  withering- 


280  FILICKS — FERNS. 

Hahval. — Li  rocky  woods,  from  Lake  Hujicrior  wc^fward  ;  common  in 
Euroi5(\ 

A'     .dium  marginal e  Swartz. — Mcmjwal  Shi(id-J''rn. 

D..  ripliori. — Fruit-dots  similar  to  the  preccdiii<^,  but  placed  close  to 
the  I  lar  'in  of  the  fertile  pinnules.  Fronds  evergreen,  almost  coriaceous, 
ova.  ;-ol)long,  1  to  2  feet  high,  bii)innate,  the  pennin  lanceolate,  broadest 
at  the  base  ;  pinnules  oblong  or  oblong-soythe-shapcd,  obtuse,  entire  or 
jbscurely  cronately  toothed.  Stijies  chafty  at  the  base.  Rootstock  similar 
tt  the  pi'eccuiiig. 

J/alutat. — On  rocky  hills  ;  common. 

J'aj't  Uacd. — The  rhizome  of  both  species.  Official  name  :  Aspidium 
—  United  Siuli'.a  lliai'Diacnpiria. 

Gondii nnilt<. — Proximate  analysis  of  male-fern  has  yiidded  different  ro- 
f»ults  to  dift'erent  chemists.  For  practical  purposes  it  is  sufficient  to  k;;  .\v 
that  its  active  principles  reside  in  an  oleo-resin,  and  that  its  other  consti- 
tuents are  unimportant. 

Pri'para'ions. — Oleo-resina  aspidii — oleo-resin  of  aspidium. — Um'fr' 
Sfalas  PharniacoiHvic . 

Mi'dlral  Propcrtir-i  jvd  C'se-S'. — Oleo-resin  of  male-fern  is  one  of  t'  ^ 
best  known  remedies  for  tapeworm,  and  also  one  of  the  most  ctrudctit. 
Doubtless  much  of  the  disappointment  experienced  with  it  is  attributable 
to  inefficient  j)rep: ligations.  Since,  however,  it  has  been  demonstrated 
that  A.  marginale  is  <niite  as  efficient,  and,  as  Ihis  species  is  very  ab.  ;,- 
dant,  there  is  now  no  good  reason  why  reliable  preparations  should  net 
be  the  rule  rather  than,  as  heretofore,  the  exci>2)tion. 

m 

OSMUNDA.— Flowkiunc;  Feiin. 

Osmunda  regalis  Linne. — Flou-crhuj  Po-ik 

Ihvcription. — Sporangia  naked,  globular,  short-pedicclled,  densely  ag- 
gregated along  the  margins  of  the  very  much  contra(;ted  upper  pininiles  of 
the  frond,  the  whole  appearing  to  the  casual  observer  Tike  a  mass  of  minute, 
tawny  flowers.  Fronds  2  to  5  feet  high,  clustered,  very  smooth,  pale  green, 
bipinnate  ;  sterile  pinnules,  13  to  25,  oblong-oval,  or  lance-oblong,  mi- 
nutely serrulate,  occasionally  crenately-lobed  at  the  base. 

Habitat. — In  swamps  and  wet  places ;  common  both  here  and  in 
Europe. 

Part  Used. — The  rhizome— not  official. 

Cojistituoits. — Mucilaginous  and  astringent  prin('i2)les.. 

Preparations. — Used  in  decoction. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Flowering  fern  was  at  one  time  consid 
ered  efficacious  in  rachitis,  but  it  is  now  believed  to  be  nearly  inert,  and 
is  rai'ely  if  ever  employed  medicinally. 


PLATE   IX. 


^.  .Fohnson.nel. 


ASPIDIUM    MARGINALE. 


H.UKRCKK.  L.rTtl.rf.Y. 


Plate  IX.-Aspidlum  marglnale. 

Frn.  l._A  small  Iroud,  sliowing  tlio  upper  side. 

Fi".  2.-A  similar  o„<.,  „nder  side,  showing  tlie  fruit-dots. 

Fio.  a. -A  fruit-dot  (»/w««^m;//) -enlarged. 


LYCOroDIUM — CLUB-MOSS.  283 

LYCOPOOIACE^E. 

Character  of  the  (),v/<r. -Plants  of  a  moss-like  nspoct  haviug  8,)ore 
Cttsew  in  tlio  h.mIh  of  their  Hiniplo,  coninmnly  iiwl-Hlmped  loaves. 
A  small  order  of  comparatively  unimportant  plants. 

Ly(.'01'01)IUM.-Ci.uii.M<)Ns. 

Lycopodium  clavatum  Lmm-.—Cmmon  Vh,l,.Mfm, 

Z>mr/y>//o/..--Spore-eaHes  reniform,  coiiaceous,  1-ceUed,  2-valvcd  in 
spikes  nt  the  summit  of  the  branches. 

A  low  perennial.  Stem  creeping  extensively,  with  numerous  short  as- 
cendn^^  bnuiclies  ;  these  are  thickly  beset  with  linear-awl-shaped  leaves 
tipped  with  a  bristle.  The  fertile  branches  are  terminated  by  a  short 
peduncle  bearing  2  or  8  linear-cylindrical  fruit  in-  sj.ikes. 

IMitat.—ln  dry  woods  ;  common  both  here  a"nd  in  JCuiope. 

I'art  Umf. -The  sporules.     Officitd  name  :  Lycopodium.-  f  nited  States 

J  harDiaropo'ia. 

C,W//.s/,/,„v,/..-Lycopodium  is  a  fine,  pale-yellowish,  inflammable  powder 
Avithout  odor  or  taste.     It  contains  fixed  oil  and  a  minute  proportion  of 


sugar. 


Jjlclical  Properties  and  6^.x.-Lycopodium  is  used  as  a  dusting  powder 
for  irritated  and  excoriated  surfaces,  and  by  apothecaiies  to  prevent  newly 
made  piUs  from  adhering  together. 


/ 


I  N  D  K  X . 


in  ™;i^r^l!^s,"::,^:-zr:s;  !;;£-.•'-■"■-  —■.»-". 


Abies,  257 

UalfiaraeH,  208 
CanadntiHiR.  258 
FriiHcri,  2.'j.S 
Aiiri:ri.\K.i;,  2."").'> 
Achillfiv  .Millololiiiin.  181 
Acorus  (.'aiiunus,  204 
Actii-ii,  (i!) 
.ilba,  70 
raffunosit,  (IS 
fipicita.  vav    rubra,  Gfl' 
Adder's  tongnr,  27(i 
Adiiiiitiiin  piiilr.tuiii,  277 
/K^ouliis,    12(> 
jrlalmi,  127 
Ifippoeastanura,  130 
Pavia,  12r 
Ajrrinionia  Kiipiitoria,  1.'!!) 
Afjrimony,  IJJO 
Alder,  2.');$ 
Alei  ris  farinosa,  200 

Alisniu  iilantatro— var.  Aniorcanum  3G5 
Amm.mack.i.;,  2;ir) 
Alnus  serrulata,  25:? 
Alti.asa  otlicinali.s,  105 
Almii-root,  144 
Aiiibro-iia.  178 

art  misiajfolia,  178 
tiilida,  178 
American  oentanry,  221 
coluiubo,  221 
hellebore.  27o 
hemp,  245 
holly,  U)8 
larch,  259 
senna,  1:54 
Amyodalk.k,  i;j5 

ANACAKinAOE.R,   117 

Aiidroineda  iirborea,,  104  • 

JIariana,  103 
Anemone,  59 

patens,  var.  Nuttalliana,  50 
Aiiffolioa,  15:! 
Aii-jj-elioa-tree.   15G 
Anthemia  iiobilis,  181 


Apr-talons  Exofj^enoiis  Plants,  233 
Afiliyllon  unillormii,  2():{ 
Anx  VNACK.K,  22s 
Apooyiiiiin,  228 

aMdrosamiifoIhim,  229 

caniiabiiiiim,  :."J!) 
A(iirK<)i,iA(  lo.K,  197 
AuA(i:,K,  2(i;j 
Aralia,  15(i 

iiudioanlis,  15(> 

quiu(iiief()liji,  100 

racemosa,  150 

KpuioHa,  15(J 
AUAI.IACK.K.  155 
Arhor-vitiu.  2(>() 

Arclianj,'elica  atiopiirpnron.  15:> 
Arctostaplivlos  uv;i-iii-si,  1!)I 
Arisu'm  1  triphyllum.  2i;;i 
AriKtolochia  Sorpentaria,  233 
Akistoi,()(iiia(  10.10,  232 
Arrow-woo,!,  l(!:i 
Artemisia  Absinthium,  183 
Asarum  Canadensci.  2;{2 
As(W,I01'IAI)A('K.K,  220 
Asclepias,  2:j() 

cornuti,  2;J0 

incirnata,  2;j() 

tAiberosa,  230 
Afjpcn,  254 
Aspiduim,  279 

Filixmas,  270 

marji^inale.  2S() 
Aspleniiini  Filixfmniina,  278 
Avcns,  HO 


Balm  of  Gilead,  255 
Balmoiiy.  205 
Balsam  fir,  258 
popbir,  255 
Baneberry,  '19 
P>a|)tisia  tinotoria,  133 
Barherrj',  7(i 
Bayberry,  250 
Bcarberry,  101 


28(5 


1N1>KX. 


Boavcr-trco,  73 
Heilstraw,  1(57 
IJeech -drops.  ^'03 
Ukkhkiudack/K,  7fi 
l!erl)oriH,  70 

Aquifolimn,  77 

Ciiiuideiifiis,  77 

vulgaris,  77 
Bctliroot,  273 
Butula  lenta,  202 
BirruLACK^K,  2r)3 
Hignonia  capreohita,  2(il 

UKiNONIACli/K,  201 

Birch,  252 

Birthroot.  272 
Birtlnvort,  233 
Bistort,  23(i 
Bitter  Polygala,  129 
Bittersweet,  21.(5 
Black  aliler,  253 
Blackberry,  J  41 
black  birch,  253 

cohciL'.,  08 

haw,  104 

mustard,  95 

rasi)bi;rry,  143 

snakerfot.  (58.  150 
Bluzini^-star,  274 
liloudroot,  S() 
lilue  cohosh,  78 

flag:,  270 

gentian,  233 
Blueberry  Root,  70 
Boncset,  172 
Bouncinfj:  Bet,  103 
Urake.  37H 
Uramjle,  141 
Brassica,  95 

iilba,  95 

nigra,  95 
Br..oni-rai)(?,  303 
Bnckbcan,  3-23 
i>uckeyo,  12(5 
15ucktliorn,  123 
Bngbane.  08 
l5ugUi-weed,  309 
Burdock,  185 
Biirnin'4'-bupb.  135 
Busli-honey.snckle,  103 
Jiiiito!caj>,  ()1 
Uutterlly  weed.  330 
Muttern'ut.  348 
Hutter-weed,  175 
Buttoa-bnsli,  1()8 
Button  snake-root,  150,  170 

Calamus,  304 
(Jalio-biisli.  i;)4 
California  buckthorn,  132 
Canada  (lenbiine.  175 
('unadian  nK;nr\sepd,  75 
Cancer  root.  L'(i2.  303 
Cannabis  Anieiicana,  315 
saliva,  345 

CAlMUl'OLIAVli.K,   101 


Capsella  Rnrsa-pastoris,  06 

Cardinal  llowcr,  189 

Carrot,  151 

Cauyoi'Iiym.ack.k,  103 

Cassenn,  198 

Cassia  Marilandica,  134 

Castiinea  vcsca,  350 

Catalj^a  bi^noionides,  201 

Catch  tly,  104 

Cat^nt,  133 

Catmint,  213 

Catnip,  213 

Cauloi)liyllum  thalictroides,  78 

Ceanothus  A'nericanus,  123 

Cedar,  2(50 

Celandine,  88 

Gei.astuace/K.  124 

Celastrus  .soandeus,  134 

Centaury.  331 

CcphalanthuH  Occident  di-i,  1G8 

CevasuH  nfvolina,  135 

Virninidihi.  135 
Chama;lirium  lutcnm,  274 
Chamomile,  181 
Checkcrberry,  1!)3 
Chelidoninni  majus,  88 
ChcJone  glabra,  305 
ClIKNlPOniACK/K.  335 
Chenopodium,  335 

album,  335 

ambrosioides.  335 

var.  authehniuticum,  235 
Cherry,  135 
Chestnut,  350 
Chicory,  180 
Chiniaphila  maculata,  197 

umbellata,  197 
Choke-cherry,  130 
Cichorium  Intybns.  186 
Cicuta  muculata.  153 
Cimicifuga  racmnosa,  OB 
Cinfiue-i'oil,  140 

CiSTACE/E,  99 

Cleavers,  167 
Cleniati.-i,  58 

Viorua.  58 

Virginiana,  TiS 
C'lub-uioss,  383 
Cochiatrvi  Armoracin \  93 
Colic-rooi,  170,  3(19 
CoUinsonia  Canadeu'-is,  311 
Coltsfoot,  173 

COMI'OSIT.K,   109 

Comjitonia  asplenifolia,  351 
(3oMFKlt.E,  355 
Conium  maculatum,  154 
Cotiopholis  Americana.  203 
Convallaria  majalip.  375 

CONVOIAULACE^E,  215 

Coptis.  04 

tri folia,  04 
Corallorhiza  edontoihiza,  260 
Coral -root.  300 
CouNACE^:,  158 
Cornel,  158 


INDEX. 


287 


Cornus,  158 

circinata,  158 

Florida,  108 

sericea,  158 
GoyydaUs  fornwm,  bO 
Cotton-plant,  10? 
Covv-paranip,  \'yl 
Cramp-bark,  l(i4 
Cranberry-tree,  104 
Crowfoot,  Gl 
ClllICIKKU.K,  92 
Cryiitog-aiiioua  Plants,  277 
Cucuniber-treo,  72 
Cul-weed,  183 
Culver's  physic,  206 
Culver's  root,  200 
Cunila  Jlariana,  210 
ClIPUKSSfNK.K,  2(i0 
CU1'UMI.'RK.K,  249 

Curlf^d  dock,  2;J8 
Cypripedium  paiviMorura,  209 
Cypripediuiu  pubescens,  20(> 

Daisy  fle  ibai  e,  17-1 
Dandelion,  188 
Date  plum,  109 
Datura  Stramonium,  219 
Daucus  Carota,  I  .■>  1 
Deer's-tong-ue,  170 
Devil's-bit,  170,  271: 
Dewberry,  1-11 
Dicentra  Canadensis,  89 
Dicotyledonous  Plan's,  57 
Diervilla,  102 
Diospyros  Virgiuiaua,  109 
Dittany,  210 
Dogbane,  229 
Doj-'s-tooth  violet,  276 
Dogwood,  158 
DUOSICKACK/K,  101 
Drosora  rotundifo'  i,  101 
Dwarf  sumac,  118 

Ebenack.e,  199 

Elder,  l(i;j 

Elecampane,  177 

Elm,  24:} 

Epi<ra3a  repens,  192 

Epilobiiun  angu'^tifolium,  148 

Epiphegus  Virginiana.  202 

Erechthites  hieracifolia,  184 

EHiCACi<;/i!;,  190 

Ericink^k,  190 

Erigeron,  174 

annuum,  174 

Canadensis,  175 

lu.terophy'bim,  174 

Philadelphioum,  174 

purpnrcum,  174 

stnrjosnin,  174 
Eryngium  yuccrefolium.  150 
Eryngo,  15() 

Erythronium  Americanum,  276 
Euonymus  atropurpureus,  125 
Eupatorium,  172 


Eupatorium  perfoliatum,  172 
pur|)ureum,  1,2 

Euphorbia,  241 
corollata,  241 
Ipecacujinluu.  241 

EuPlIOUHIACKvK,  240 

Svening  primrose,  149 

Everlasting.  18;{ 

Exogenous  Plants,  57 

False  hellebore,  274 

Ferus,  277 

Fever-bush,  240 

Fever- wort,  102 

Figwort,  205 

KrLiCES,  277 

Fire  pink,  104 

Fire-weed,  184 
Five-finger,  140 
Flax.  109 
Fleabane,  174 
Flowering  dogwood,  153 
Flowering  fern,  280 
Flowering  Pltmts,  57 
Flowerless  Plants,  277 
Frasera  Carol inensis,  221 
Fraxiuus  Americana,  2ol 
Fringed  gentian,  222 
Frost- weed,  100 
FUMAIUACK.K,  80 

Fumaria  officinalis,  90 
Fumitory,  90 


Galium,  107 

Aparine,  167 

trillorum,  107 
Garget,  2;>4 

Gaultheria  procunibens.  192 
Gelsemium  serapervirens   224 
Gentian,  222  ' 

Gentiana,  222 

Andrewsii,  223 

eatcHbui,  22;{ 

crinita,  22:3 

ochroljuca,  223 

puberula,  223 

GRNTIANAtK.E.  *"3l) 
GnUANfACE.K,  110 

Geranium  maculatum,  110 

Germander,  207 

Geum  rivale.  140 

Gillenia  trifobatn,  1.18 

Gill-over-the  ground.  213 

Ginseng,  150 

Gnaph.alium  polycephalum,  183 

Goat's  rue,  133 

Golden  raewort,  184 

Golden  rod.  175 

Golden  .seal.  04 

Goldthread.  04 

Goosefoot,  235 

Goose-grass.  107 

Gossypium  herbaneum,  107 

Gravel-roo.,.  172 

Grind:lia,  170 


288 


INDEX. 


Grirulolia  robusta,  17G 

.s(iuun'osa,  17() 
Grouiiil  cliuiry,  217 

hemlock,  )H}2 

ivy,  2V,i 

laurel,  j92 

Hi13MOtJ()R.\CE/K,  2G!> 

IIamamiclack/K,  1 44 
Hiinmiiuilis  Virgiuica,  145 
Hiirclliaclv,  l;!7 
llait's-tDiigiie,  279 
Hiiwk-weed,  187 
HoJeoma  »)iilegioides,  211 
llelenium  uutuinujile,  IbO. 
llelitiiitheinnin.  100 

Caiuwlense,  100 

coryinbosuin,  100 
Ilcliiinthus  jiiiiiuns,  Kft 
Helonias  liUea,  274 
Hemlock,  2'>H 

spruce,  258- 
Ileni]),  245 
IlenlKinc,  218 
lloiiatica.  (il 

acutiloba,  (il 

trilulia,  (II 
Heracleuiu  lanatuin,  IflS 
Hercules'  club,  1.">(i 
Ileucliern  Aniericma,  l-M. 
Ilieraciuni  veuosum,  1B7 
High  crauberry,  104 
Hoary  ])ea,  V><i 
Hog-weed,  178 
Holly,  108 
Hop,  240 
Hop-tree,  116 
Horehouud,  214 
Horse-bulni,  211 
Horse-chcstuut,  126 
Horse-geutian,  102 
Horse-mint,  212 
Horseradish,  !);5 
Horse-weed,  175 
Humulus  Lupulus,  246 
Hydrangea,  1  lo 
Hydrangea  arliorescens,  14S 
Hydrastis  Canad(!iisis,  04 
llyoscyamus  niger.  218 
HvriouicAcr.K,  102 
Hypericum  perforatum,  103 

Ilex,  t08 

Cassine,  108 

Dahoou,  198 

opaca,  198 

var  myrtifolia,  198 
ludian  bean.  201 

hemp,  229 

physic,  i:i8 

tobacco.  189 

turnip.  20-5 
Tmila  Holcniuni.  177 
Ii)ocucuauha  spurge,  241 


Ipomooa  pandurata,  2l5 
lUIOACK.K,  270 
iris  versicolor,  270 

Jamestowu  weed,  219 
Jcflersonia  dipliylla,  79 
Jessamine;  224 
Joe-Pye-weed,  172 
JuaLANUACICK,  248 
Juglans  cinerea,  248 
•luuiper,  201 
Juniperus,  201 

comuuuiis,  201 

Virginiaua,  201 

Kalmia  angustifolia,  195 

latlfolia,  194 
Knotweed,  230 

Lahiat.k,  207 
Labrador  tea,  190 
Lady's  .clipper.  200 
Lake-cress,  94 
Lainb-kill,  195 
Lamb's  (piarters,  2;'5 
Lajjpa  oOicinalis,  185 
Larcli,  2.VJ 

Larlx  Americana,  2.19 
Laukacio/K,  238 
Laurel,  194 

magnolia,  71 
Leather-llower,  58 
Leilum  latifolium,  19G 

l)alustre,  190 
Lkou.minos.k,  i;i0 
Leouurus  Cardiaca,  215 
Jjt'pttindra  Viryinka,  20G 
Liatris,  170 

odoratissima,  170 

sjiicata,  170 
LiLiArK.i:,  272 
Lily  of  the  valley,  275 

Ll.NACICyK,   108 

Lindcra  Benzoin,  210 
Linum  usitatissimuin,  109 
Liiiuidambar  Styracitlua,   14G 
Liriodendron  Tulii)ifera,  73 
Liverwort,  01 
Lobelia,  189 

cardiualis,  189 

inllata,  189 

syphilitica,  189 
LoHKiaACK.i:,  188 
Loblolly  pine,  256 
Locust  tree,  132 

LOOANIACE/K,  224 

Long-leaved  pine,  256 
LYcoPoniACE.K,  283 
Lycopodium  clavatura,  283 
Lycopus,  209 

Europffius,  209 

Virgiuicus,  2u9 

Mnrj'otiiH  nfirpcntaria,  G8 
Magnolia,  71 


INDEX. 


I'Si) 


Magnolia  acumiuata, 
g-lauca,  71 


tri))etal(t, 


'^o. 


Umbrella,  73 
Maonoliace.i:,  71 
Maiaeiihair.  L'77 
M:ile  fern,  2?9 
l^Iallow,  10(J 

MUAAIK.K,   104 

Miilva  rotun  .ifolia,  100 
Mandrake,  (SO 
Mau-of-thoearth,-2!.') 
i^Iargiiml  shield-fein,  280 
Marrubium    vulgare,  211 
Marah-cres.s,  04 
Marsh-mallow,  lO.T 
iMarah-rosoniury,  20D 
Marsh-tea.  IDO 
Marsh-Lrefuil,  221} 
Mariita  cotula,  ISO 
Masterwort,  152 
May-apple,  80 
May-llower,  193 
May-weed,  180 
Meadow-sweet,  1;;7 
Molilot,  1:50 
Melilotus,  l;iO 
alba,    l;U 
oflicinali.s,  1J?0 
Memsi'kumack.e,  75 
Menispermum  Cauadense,  75 
Mentha,  207 

piperita.  208 
viridis,  208 
Menyamhes  trifoliata,  223 
Milfoil,  181 
Milkweed.  2:50 
Milkwcit,  i;^8 
Mmt,  207 

Mitchella  repens,  1(!8 
Mouarda  piiuctata,  212 
Monocotyledcmous  or  Endogenous  Plants, 

Monopetalous  Exogenous  Plants,  101 

Monotropea3.  IDO 

Moonseed,  75 

Morus  rubra,  244 

Motherwort.  215 

Mountain  laurel,  104 

mint,  210 
Mulberry,  244 
Mullein,  204 
Musquash  root,  153 
Mustard,  05 
Myuicaok/M,  250 
Myrica  cerilora,  250 

Nabalus  albus.  187 
Nasturtium,  id 

Armoracia,  D3 

laeiistre,  04 

officinale,  93 

pal  istre,  94 
Nepeta,  212 

Cataria,  2\'.i  i 

19  ' 


Nepeta  Glcchoma,  213 

Nettle,  244 

New  Jersey  tea,  123 

Nymi'h.kack.k,  82 
Nyuiplnua  odorata,  83 

Oak,  249 

Oenothera  bienni'  ,  149 
Ohio  buckeye,  12< 
Old-lield  i)iue,  250 
Olkack/K,  231 
OXAaKACEiE,  148 
OUCIIIDACE/E,  200 
OuonANCUACE.K.  203 
Osmunda  regalis,  280 
Oxalis,  114 

Aoctosella,  114 

stricta,  114 
Oxydendron  arboreum,  194 

Panax  qninquefoKim,  150 
Pai>avi;uaci;.k.  80 
Pai'ii,i<)na(;e.k,  130 
Pajipoose  root,  70 
Partridge -berry,  108,  193 
Pasque-flower,  50 
Pennyroyal,  211 
Peppermint,  208 
P(U'simmon,  100 
Phtenogamous  Plants,  57 
Philadelphia  fleabane,  174 
Physalis,  217 

Alkekengi,  217 

Pennsylvanicft.  217 
Piiytolaccace.e,  234 
Phytolacca  decaudra,  234 
Pigeonberry,  234 
Pigweed,  235 
Pine,  250 
Pink-root,  227 
Pinus  australis,  250 

piili/ntris.  250 

Taida,  250 
Pipsissowa,  197 
Pitcher-plant,  84 
Pleurisy-root,  230 
Plum,  135 

Px.umjjaginace/e,  200 
Podophyllum  peltatum,  80 
Poison  elder,  120 

hemlock,  154 

ivy,  119 

oak,  119 

sumac,  120 
Pokeweed,  334 
Polygala,  127 

polygama,  120 

Senega,  138 
Poi,YaAl.ACE/E,  128 
Por.YGONACE.K,  230 

Polygonatura,  275 

bitlorum,  270 

giganteum,  270 
Polygonum,  230 

acre.  230 


290 


INDEX. 


rolygonum  Bistorta,  230 

Ilydropiper,  2;i(i 

))UucJ(ituin,  2'M 
Polypotalous  Exogeiiouh  I'lants,  57 
Polypodium  viilgare,  377 
Polypody,  277 
Poplar,  254 
Populus,  254 

balsamifcra,  255 

var.  candioans,  255 

troinuloideH,  254 
Potentilla  Canadensis,  140 
Prickly  ash,  115 
Prince's  pine,  1!)7 
Prunus,  l!i5 

Canadennis,  130 

serotina,  135 

Virginiana,  136 
Psoralea,  131 

osculenta,  131 

melilotoidea,  131 
Ptelea  trifoliata,  1 10 
I'teris  aquilina,  278 
Pycnanthomum,  210 

incanum,  210 

linifoliuni,  210 
PyuolE/K,  1!)0 

Queen's-root,  242 
Quercua  alba,  249 

Rag-weed,  178 
Ranunculace.k,  57 
Ranunculus,  01 

acris,  02 

bulbosus.  03 

repens,  02 

sceleratus,  62 
Raspberry,  142 
Rattlesnake-root,  187 
Rattlcsnake-woed,  180 
Rattlesnake's  master,  150 
Red  baneberry,  09 

buckeye.  127 

cedar,  201 

elm,  243 

mulberry,  244 

raspberry,  143 
Red-root,  123 
RnAMNACK.K,  123 
Rhamnus,  122 

cathartica,  123 

Purshiana,  122 
Rheumatism-root,  79 
Rhus,  117 

copallina,  118 

diversiloba,  120 

glabra,  117 

pumila,  120 

Toxicodendron,  119 

typhina,  118 

venenata,  120 
Robinia  Pseudacacia,  132 
Rock  rose,  100 
Rosacea,  135 


RonnJlcaved  dogwood,  158 

RUIUACE.K,  107 
Rubus,  141 

Canadensis,  141 

occidoutalis,  143 

strif^osus,  14.2 

trivialis,  142 

villosus,  141 
Rumex,  237 

aquatlcn.t,  238 

crispus,  238 

orbiculatus,  238 
Running  blackberry,  141 
RUT'  KvK,  115 

Sabbatia  augularis,  221 
Sacred  bark,  122 
St.  John's-wort,  103 

SAliTCACK.K.  253 

Salix.  253 

alba,  254 
Sanibucus  Canadensis,  103 
Sanguinaria  Canadensis,  80 
Sauiclc,  150 

Sanicula  Marilandica,  150 
Saimndace.k,  12() 
Saponavia  officinalis,  103 
Sarracenia,  84 

ilava,  85 

purpurea,  84 

variolaris,  85 
Sauua(  kniacr.k,  84 
Sassafras  officinale,  339 
Saxikkagack/E,  143 
Saxikuage.k,  144 
Scokeweed,  234 
Soolopendrium  vulgare,  279 
ScKoriiri.AUiACK.K,  2(13 
Scropbularia  nodosa,  205 
Scutellaria  lateriflora,  213 
Sea  laveiidci",  200 
Seneca  snakoroot,  138 
Senecio  aureus,  184 
Senega.  128 
Serpentiuia,  233 
Sheep-laurel,  195 
Sheep-sorrel,  114 
Shepherd's  purse,  90 
Shield-fern,  279 
Shrubby  trefoil,  110 
Slirub  yellow-root,  (iO 
Side-saddle  llower,  84 
Silene  Virgiuica,  104 
Silky  cornel,  158 
Sinapis  alhn,  95 

iiiijra,  95 
Skullcap.  213 
Skunk  cabbage,  364 
Slippery  elm,  243 
Smartweed,  330 
Smooth  sumac,  117 
Sneeze-weed,  180 
Soapwort,  103 
Sot-anace.e,  810 
Solauum  Dulcamara,  216 


INDEX. 


291 


Soliddgo  odora,  1 75 

Solomon's  seal,  275 

Sorrol-tree,  104 

Sour-wood,  194 

Spoiirmint,  2()H 

Speedwell,  ^(Ki 

Splce-bush,  2-10 

Spigelia  Marilandica,  227 

Spik(>nard,  150 

Spindle-tree,  125 

Spirica  toiiieiitosa,  137 

Spleenwort.  278 

Spoon-wood,  ]'J4 

Spotted  cowbane,  153 
geranium,  1  }0 
tru  in  pot-leaf,  85 
wiiiterirreeu,  197 

Spruce,  2")7 
Spurge,  241 
Squaw-berry,  108 
Squaw-root,  08,  79,  203 
Squaw-weed,  184 
Squirrel  corn,  89 
Staff -tree.  124 
Stiig.^^er-bush,  193 
Kiaghorii  sumac,  118 
Star-grass,  209 
Starwort,  2i4 
Statiue  Liuionium,  200 
Steei)lebush,  i;>7 
Stillingia  sylviitica,  242 
Stone-root,  211 
Stramoiiiinn,  21!) 
Strawberry  tomato,  217 
Succory,  ISO 
Sumac,  117 
Sundew,  101 
Sunflower,  179 
Swamp  dogwood,  158 
milkweed,  230 
sassafras,  I'Z 
Sweet  bay,  72 
Sweet-fern,  251 
Sweet-flag,  204 
Sweet-gum  tree,  140 
Sweet  Scabious,  174 
Symplocarpus  foctidus,  204 

Tacu\aliac,  255 

Tag  alder,  253 

Tamarack,  259 

Tanacetum  vulgare,  182 

Tansy,  1S2 

Taraxacum  Dens-Ieonis,  188 

Taxus  baccata,  var.  ( 'anadeusis,  203 

Tea-berry,  192 

Tephrosia  Virginiana,  133 

'leucrium  Canadonse,  207 

Thimbleberry,  142  - 

T/ilaspi  Ii>ivs,t-pn,sto7'is,  90 

Thorn- Apple,  219 

Thoroughwort.  172 

Three-leaved  nightshade,  273 

Tlnija  occidentalis,  200 

Toothache-lrce,  115 


Trailing  arbutus,  192 

Trillium,  272 
ere-itum,  272 
grandilloru.n.  272 

Trio.iteum  ptrloliatuin,  163 

Trumpet-leaf,  85 

Trumpet-weed,  173 

Tulip-tree,  73 

Turkey  corn,  89 
pea,  133 

Turtle-head,  205 

Tussilago  Farfara,  173 

Twin-leaf,  79 

Ulmus  fulva,  243 

U.MUIOM.IFEU.K,   149 

Umbrella-tree,  72 
Urtica,  244 

dioica,  245 

urens,  245 
UuTiCAci;^.;,  213 
Uva-ursi,  191 

Vaccinieai,  190 
Vanilla-plant.  170 
Veratrum  viride,  273 
Verbascum  Thap.sus,  204 
Veronica,  200 

officinalis,  207 

Virginica,  207 
Viburnum,  103 

Opulus,  I(i4 

prunifolium,  104 
Viola,  98 

cucullata,  98 

pedata,  98 

tricolor,  98 
Vior.ACK/K,  97 
Violet,  98 
Virginia  .snakeroot,  233 

thyme,  210 
Virgin's -bower,  58 

Wahoo,  125 
Wake-robin,  272 
Walnut,  248 
Watches,  N5 
Water  aven.s,  140 
Water-cress,  93 
Water-dock,  238 
Wiiter-hemlock,  153 
Water-hprehound,  209 
Water-lily,  83 
Water-popper,  230 
Wax-myrtle,  250 
White  baneberry,  70 


bay, 


79! 


ced.ar,  200 
lettuce,  187 
'-  melilot.  131 
mustard,  95 
oak,  249 
willow,  254 
Wild  allspice,  240 
cranesbill,  110 


0()0 


Wild  di.amomilo,  180 
chen-y,  l."i~» 
gin-ror,  a;!3 
Ijydr.ingea,  143 
indi<,'o,  i;i.'{ 
ipociU!.  Kia 
putiito-viuo,  5315 
Rarsai).irilla,  15(j 

Willow,  2r,:; 

Willow-heib.  148 

VVind-Hower,  5!) 

Winter  cherry,  217 

WiiitergTfoii,  ]U2 

Witch-hazel,  IJij 

Wood-.saj,'-e,  2()7 

Wood-.sorrel,  114 

Wootly  bittersweet,  124 

Wormwood,  Ibli 

Xanthorhiza  apiifolia,  68 


INDEX. 


Xan  thoTt/hnn,  1 1  .T 
Amorionnum,  115 
Carol  iiiidniini,  115 
Clava-IIerculiis,  115 
fv(t.rineum,  115 

Yarrow,  181 
Yaiipoii,  1!»S 
Yellow  cedar,  200 

dock,  2;!8 

jessamine,  234 

liidy'.s  Hlipjior,  200 

melilot,  j;jO 

pa  rill  a,   75 

pine,  L'.-jO 

puccoon,  ()4 
Yellow-root.  04,  GO 
Yellow  sarKaparilla,  75 

wood-sorrel,  114 
Yew,  203 


